Quinn McCutcheon Claims Under 18 Title at Oceanic Kayaking Championships

The 2026 Oceanic Kayaking Championships were held over the weekend of 31 January at the Wero Whitewater Course in Auckland, bringing together elite paddlers from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Korea for a weekend of high-level competition in hot summer conditions.

Competing in the Under 18 category, Quinn delivered an exceptional performance. He dominated the opening day of racing, finishing first in his age group and immediately establishing himself as a standout competitor.

Following day one, Quinn was positioned 15th overall out of 34 male paddlers across all age groups. He continued his strong form into the final day, maintaining his first-place position in Under 18 while climbing to 9th overall—an impressive result given the calibre of the field.

Several internationally experienced athletes ( and ex pupils) finished just ahead of him, including Finn Butcher, Nick Collier, and Tom and Ollie Goldsmith, all of whom have raced extensively on the European kayaking circuit.

Quinn’s consistency and composure across both days secured him the title of 2026 Under 18 Oceanic Champion, marking a significant achievement and highlighting his potential on the international stage.