They've got the skills and the determination to become 2015 R6 World Rafting Championships, but just not the funds to get there.

The NZ U19 Women's Rafting Team training for the world championships. Photo: supplied.

Tauranga paddler Kaydi O'Connor-Stratton and fellow NZ U19 Women's Rafting Team members Monique Hawthorne, Suzy Cumming, Tenaya Chater, Kelsey Eames and Annaliese Heuvel may not be able to travel to Indonesia for the world championships in November due to a lack of funds.

It's a sad story, with a hopeful ending. They're optimistic the public will help top up their savings for the flights.

'It would be very disappointing for the team if we didn't travel to compete, as we've been given a lot of support so far from our parents and from the community,” says Kaydi.

'This also means that the future of Under-19 girls rafting in New Zealand may be jeopardised because of possibly gaining bad reputation, from the eyes of sponsors.

'We're lucky enough to have been given $6000 from Pub Charity for uniforms and gear and we don't want to let them down by not being able to compete.”

Kaydi's also holding hope as it's her last chance to compete at the world championships. Next year she'll be too old for the Under-19 category and 2015 is her final year the Under-23 age group is offered at the event.

'I want to prove myself and continue training so I can be selected for the Open Women team sometime in the near future.”

Pub Charity has granted $1503 for uniforms, $2700 for paddles and $1890 for buoyancy vests and helmets.

The women have budgeted $3512 for entry fees and accommodation, $500 for coaching at the event, $1620 for food, and $9954 for airfares which they don't yet have.

That's a total team cost of $21,679. It's an expensive sport, one they're excelling in. But, no funds, no world championships.

Kaydi says the team is defending champions after winning the 2013 R6 Rafting World Championships and has been training for the 2015 championships since May under coach Buba Martin.

'At the start of the season, our team set a goal of wanting to defend our title and become the 2015 World Champions, which we've been working towards this season.”

Visit New Zealand U19 Women's Rafting Team on Facebook for more information on fundraising ventures.

To donate direct, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/under19womensrafting