There is something for everyone in paddling. Find out more about our paddlesports and come and give them a go
Canoe Polo
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Canoe Polo is a fast and exciting team sport, often described as water polo in kayaks. Ussually played in a swimming pool where the ball can be thrown by hand or flicked with a paddle. In higher grades you can also push an opponent holding the ball. Canoe polo is a fun way to learn basic kayak skills (rolling, turning, bracing) and is suitable for all standards. Come and Try at Ashfield Pool on Friday Nights. |
Marathon
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Marathon paddling will appeal to people who like to keep fit. It is low impact and great for a total body workout. Marathon racing can be over any distance that has turns from about 5km upwards. It is also a great way to see NSW in peaceful water surrounds. Marathon series events are held all over the state, so participation can take paddlers to new towns or unexplored corners of well known cities. PaddleNSW marathon series have events all over NSW. |
Open Water
Photo:Allan Coker |
Openwater racing is possibly the fastest growing Paddlesport in NSW. The Ocean racing ski is most popular with races such as “The Doctor”event from Rottnest Island back to Perth and the “Molokai”World Championships. There are many local racing series available for beginners through to advanced paddlers. The Harbour Series races provides padd;ers new to the sport the opportunity to hone skills on the more protected waters of the harbour and lakes. The Ocean racing ski series events take place off shore, and provide intermediate and advanced paddlers the thrill of racing on ocean swells and runners. |
Rafting
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Rafting is for everyone groups can be found paddling some of the prettiest wild rivers in NSW. You can get single craft or one that can carry 10 people. Like all water sports you will need to wear the right safety gear and be able to swim. Penrith White Water Centre is a great place to try it out. Go to Penrithwhitewater.com.au for more information, or join the willow warriers and do your bit for the environment at the same time. |
Recreational
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Paddling is for every family member, especially at its best when added to a camping holiday. A recreational canoe or kayak is usually more for comfortable than a high performance craft, and can be loaded with gear for overnight or wilderness river trips. Join a club in your area and learn to paddle with safety. Guide to Paddling in Australian Waters. www.waterwaysguide.org.au Discover the beauty of our Australian waterways and destinations, many unique only to paddlers. The Waterways Guide is built by the paddling community to help explore lakes, rivers, bays and the coast. Be inspired by hundreds of access points and trip ideas. Get the latest weather reports, river heights, and trip lengths and features you may discover on you way. Download the PaddleSafe APP to carry the Waterways Guide on your Iphone or Ipad. Once you register, you can also use the Trip Planning feature to invite friends and log paddling details for a fun trip. Free Recreation Paddles for Members They are free to members, lots of fun -and do wonders for your fitness! Led by experienced kayakers who really know their locations – suitable for beginners through to experienced paddlers. Check the gradings in each description. For a list of upcoming paddles click here. You must register in advance – don’t just turn up on the day. Click on Register under any of the paddle descriptions. Non-members may attend – just take out Single Event PaddleNSW membership. For more information contact “recreation@nsw.paddle.org.au”. We’re always looking for new places, so if you have a favourite spot and would like to share it with other PaddleNSW members, contact “recreation@nsw.paddle.org.au” and find out how easy it is to run a receational paddle. We take care of all the administration – all you have to do is lead the group and share your experiences on the day. All very rewarding! If you have your Flatwater Guide qualification or you are an Instructor and would like to come along and help us manage our paddles on the day, contact “recreation@nsw.paddle.org.au” |
Sea Kayaking
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What better way to get around the vast waterways of NSW but under your own steam and with only the noise from gulls and the splash of your paddle? With this sleek and fast kayak you can experience the thrill of the waves and currents across miles of coast. Gain some very important survival skills before venturng into a new world of pleasure. |
Slalom
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Slalom, the exciting olympic lwhite water sport, requires the paddler to negotiate a series fo ‘gates’on fast flowing white water. padlding technique, strength, water reading skills and speed are combined, with the competitor aiming for a fast run – timed in seconds, with penalties added for gate touches. Visit the Sydney Olympic course at Penrith White Water Stadium and see slalom in action. Check the website for competition dates. |
Sprint
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Sprint Racing is one of the best-known competitive canoeing paddlesports in Australia and offers a great national and international career-path for athletes with aspirations of competing on the international stage. Within NSW, athletes can begin their careers being coached at club level and compete for their clubs at the NSW Sprint Series and annual State Championships, all of which combine to ensuring the best for NSW athletes. |