A Tauranga Boys' College kayaker is missing the most vital part of his equipment just a week before he competes in America – his kayak.

Laurence Brown had his kayak and paddle stolen from his home in Greerton on Tuesday night while he was sleeping.

Laurence competing in the kayak that is now missing.

'I got up the next morning and saw the car boot light was on,” says Laurence.

'My kayak, which was attached to my roof racks, was gone and my paddle was missing from the back seat.”

This loss could greatly affect Laurence as he is scheduled to head to America next Thursday with three others to compete in the Junior Pre-Worlds competition in canoe slalom.

He lives down a cul-de-sac 'off the beaten track” and did not hear anything overnight when the theft happened.

He describes the kayak as white on top, with a carbon Kevlar bottom, and his black paddle was in a grey paddle bag.

Laurence is asking for anyone who might have seen or heard anything to come forward, no questions asked. Contact him on 027 263 5322.