Year 12 student, Dylan Neal-Hill has had a massive summer on the water and is set on seeking higher honours in years to come.

Dylan competes in both Kayaking and Surf Lifesaving to a National level. Over the last summer he has achieved goals that even he thought would be impossible. 

This March, Dylan became the top Under 16 Ski Paddler in Surf Lifesaving in the South Island. He recently travelled to Ohope Beach, Whakatane as the only South Islander in the National Finals. Things did not go completely to plan, falling out because "the surf was the biggest and dirtiest conditions I’ve ever been in". 

On the 26th-29th of February this year, Dylan also raced in the Kayaking Nationals and was placed 1st in; U16 k1 200m, 500m and 2nd in the 5km. He also placed 1st in the u18 k4 200m but came 2nd in u18 k4 1000m. 

His home club, Arawa Canoe Club, also won the 100m club relay which he competed in along with a Mixed k4 gold as well. 

As you can probably establish, Dylan is very talented and has a bright future. Currently ranked the top u16 paddler in New Zealand, the sixteen year old has big plans for the future in his kayaking career. 

"I train 8-12 times a week and I am very passionate about my sport and reaching my goals. One day I hope to make the New Zealand team and then from there I would like to qualify for the Olympics".

We wish Dylan all the very best as he sets out to achieve his dreams!