Sports
Paddlers put their oars in

Volume 11, No. 61, March 08, 2007
 
Making waves: Capt Justin Stevens travelled from Oakey with only a few days’ training in a borrowed boat to finish sixth in the TK1 men’s open in 45:14:24. Two days later, he flew to Tasmania to complete in a 4-5 day adventure training sea kayak expedition.
ADF canoeists and kayakers are hoping to paddle their way to permanency under the ADF Sports Council umbrella after the recent good efforts of their number in the 2006 Murray River Canoe Marathon.

Every Christmas for the past 37 years ADF kayaking teams have battled it out over the gruelling 404km, five-day course along the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill.

Now a group of the sport’s enthusiasts are trying to establish an ADF Canoeing Association that would be the first step in gaining formal recognition as an ADF sport.

Stewart Nicol, a member of the K4 team at this year’s marathon and a former Wing Commander says establishing a formal association would boost ADF numbers at the marathon and other canoeing events.

“Since 1970, the Murray Marathon has been used as the Inter-service (Marathon) Canoeing Championships, and more than 700 competitors have paddled as part of the Defence teams, raising close to $100,000 for Red Cross,” Mr Nicol said.

Three relay teams and two full-distance paddlers contested the marathon. Overall there were 26 paddlers competing in five classes and they raised about $9200 in sponsorship for Red Cross.

To be part of the proposed ADF Canoeing Association, contact Mr Nicol (c/- DGTA RAAF Williams) on (03) 925 63581 or email stewart.nicol@defence.gov.au