A new paddle club was recently formed at Evans Head with a focus on enjoying the local waterways while gaining fitness and water skills. There are already 18 members, and the club is keen to attract more.
Yesterday they launched their latest craft, a six person fibreglass outrigger purchased from Noosa in Queensland, with sponsorship from the Evans Head Bowling Club and Evans Head RSL.
The maiden voyage of the OC6 boat was an ambitious multi-stage paddle of almost 50 km, travelling with the tide from Pimlico up the Richmond via Wardell to Woodburn, then over the weir at Tuckombil Canal and all the way back down the Evans River to Evans Head.
Leaving just before 7am, they reached Evans well ahead of schedule, at 2pm, keeping a cracking piece despite some challenges from headwinds and passing showers. 14 paddlers participated, with car shuttles linking up the different stages.
Organiser Peter Dawes told The Echo he was thrilled at the level of interest from the community after just six weeks, saying the motivation for setting up the club went beyond health and fitness, to looking after local waterways and supporting community events to clean up the river.
Mr Dawes said it was beautiful to get out on the water with like-minded people, with the local wildlife a particular highlight. So far they’ve seen stingrays, ospreys, and even had dolphins cruising beside them.
The club is planning to purchase another OC6 craft, and already has a range of other water craft of different sizes available, including a certified surf ski as well as double and single outriggers perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
‘We can take about 22 people out together on the water at any one time,’ said Mr Dawes.
Club members include people of different ages, with various levels of experience, from none at all to paddling around the world, in the case of local legend Steve Posselt.
As club member Barry Lennon told The Echo, ‘The more people see the boats on the water, they’ll go, I could probably do that!’
Numerous exciting paddle adventures on local waterways are planned for the future, with community building and local sports grants being sought to build the club further.
To get involved with the club or find out more, contact Peter Dawes on 0458 778 311 or visit their Facebook group.
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