Nikki Kelly (NZ)
2017 Class | Explorer
Nikki’s achievements alone are an inspiration to all paddlers, but in particular to women paddlers who have seen her achieve greatness in a discipline that has been reasonably male-dominated since she first started paddling.
In the world of competitive rafting Nikki Kelly is the most successful paddler (including men) of her generation; her team were World Champions in 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2013 – every other year they competed they achieved a second, two thirds and two fourths. She has won 12 gold medals, 12 silver and 6 bronze medals; a total haul of 30 medals – a record in itself!
From the age 20-33 she was at the top of the extreme kayaking field – she is often spoken about as the best extreme kayaker in the world at that time (there were no World’s during this period). Nikki has also competed in freestyle, canoe slalom, canoe polo, kayak surfing, surfski, stand up paddleboarding and outriggers at a national and world level.
Nikki’s achievements alone are an inspiration to all paddlers, but in particular to women paddlers who have seen her achieve greatness in a discipline that has been reasonably male-dominated since she first started paddling. She inspires women all over the world ‘to get out there, try new things and believe in themselves.’
