Category: Regattas

  • Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2025

    Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2025

    Bob & Kristy’s Double Ski -Wiseman’s Dash a 65 km charity paddle on the mighty Hawkesbury River

    https://nepeannews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Canoe-Classic-2.jpg

    Bob Turner and Kristy Benjamin entered the 2025 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, choosing the 65 km Wiseman’s Dash. Their goal was to finish strong, paddle smart, and support the cause, all while maintaining perfect rhythm in their double ski. They did that and more.

    A Calm Launch and Steady Start

    Launching from Windsor, Bob and Kristy settled quickly into their groove. In a double ski, timing is everything, and they showed excellent coordination. They focused on a sustainable stroke rate, conserving energy for the long middle section.

    Pushing Through the Tough Middle

    Rather than pushing for big surges, they lowered their stroke slightly and leaned into their leg drive. This focus paid off, they established an efficient rhythm and avoided a drop-off in pace. Their combined experience and trust in each other proved crucial here.

    Final Push to Wiseman’s

    In the final kilometres, knowing the finish line was near gave them an extra boost. They maintained solid technique and clean strokes, crossing the finish with good form.

    Reflection: What This Dash Meant to Them

    • Teamwork Over Speed: For Bob and Kristy, the Dash wasn’t about setting records — it was about working as one.
    • Resilience: Even in the middle’s most challenging moments, they adapted and kept going.
    • Cause-Driven: Their participation supported the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation, contributing to the fundraising impact of the event. givenow.com.au+1
    • Paddling Community: Their effort reflected the spirit of the Classic — endurance, camaraderie, and commitment.
  • Eurobodalla Outrigger Regatta – 1st November 2025

    Eurobodalla Outrigger Regatta – 1st November 2025

    Smashing Results for Far South Coast Paddlers

    Our friends at the Eurobodalla Outrigger Club hosted their first Regatta at Corrigans Beach on Saturday 1st November 2025. This inaugural event on the water at Batemans Bay brought paddlers from across the State with Canberra and South Coast clubs from Wollongong to Bega well represented for a brilliant day of racing, teamwork, and community connection.

    Our own Far South Coast Paddlers were proudly represented both on and off the water. Bob Turner lead the important role of timekeeper. His precision stopwatch work and webscorer wrangling helped keep the event running smoothly and on schedule.

    Early starters Lydia and Kylie raced the 8km single outrigger race with outstanding results placing 1st and 3rd in their category. They then backed it up to join local clubs later in the day for the six man outrigger canoe races. Lydia joined Conjola Stingrays Outrigger Canoe Club in the 15km long course and Kylie paddled for Mollymook Outrigger Canoe Club in the 8km short course.

    It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among clubs and the shared passion for paddling that makes these events so special. The Eurobodalla club delivered a well-run, welcoming regatta that celebrated the best of what the Far South Coast has to offer right down to a massive seafood platter prize donated by Innes Boat Shed.

    Congratulations to all paddlers, volunteers, and organisers on a great day – and special cheers to Bob, Lydia, and Kylie for sharing the love and flying the FSC Paddlers flag so proudly! 🌊🏆


    Results:

    8 km – OC 1 Senior Master Women

    Lydia Ronnenkamp  – Conjola

    Liona Caruana – Mollymook

    Kylie Warrington – Mollymook

    https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=411982