Nia - Captain

My name is Nia Rudolph. I’m a proud mum of seven, a paddler and a coach. Raising a large whānau has shaped my approach to leadership, resilience and teamwork These qualities have strengthened both my paddling and coaching. I’ve been on the water since I was 11 years old, and over the years, outrigger canoeing has become more than just a sport. It’s been a steady presence that has helped guide and support me through each chapter of life.

I’ve represented both New Zealand and Australia on the world stage, competing in V1 and V6 events at the World Sprint and Long Distance Championships also winning national titles in both countries across sprint and long-distance racing.

In 2024, I crossed the Molokai Channel with a New Zealand crew at Na Wahine O Ke Kai, one of the most demanding and iconic races in the sport. I’ve also competed in multiple other respected races including the Hawaiki Nui and Te Aito in Tahiti, Takapuna Cup in Aotearoa, Vaka Eiva in Rarotonga with both New Zealand and Australian teams, Te Aito Taratoni in New Caledonia and the Singapore Cup in Singapore made up of a crew of paddlers from different clubs in Australia.

Through all of this, I’ve had the privilege of paddling with and alongside crews from Aotearoa, Australia, Tahiti and Hawai‘i. The sport has taken me around the world, connected me with amazing people, and taught me resilience, discipline and humility.

I’m also a coach and mentor, especially passionate about helping the younger generation build confidence and skills. I’m currently working with high school students who are at risk or disengaged from school, using paddling and connection to the ocean to help foster trust, direction and belief in themselves. For me, coaching is just as rewarding as racing. I continue to balance training, racing and whānau life with a strong connection to the paddling community that has encouraged, challenged and helped shape me over the years.