Easter racing roars down the Barwon

THE state’s leading paddle sports body has hailed the return of the 2023 Oceania and Australia Canoe Marathon and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Championships to Geelong a major success.

Paddle Victoria organising committee chair John Young said Geelong Canoe Club provided an exceptional location for this year’s championships, held over the Easter weekend.

“While we have had this event in Geelong before, it was the first time we had hosted this event at Geelong Canoe Club and it provided a terrific atmosphere to the event.

“It’s a nice part of the river, well-protected from the wind, good infrastructure good viewing facilities for spectators, and portage.

“It had a great buzz about it, and it was certainly one of the highlights. We will certainly have a look at hosting this event in Geelong in the future.”

The Championships started on Good Friday at Geelong Canoe Club and concluded on Easter Monday (April 10), featuring more than 300 athletes ranging from ages of eight to 70.

Goldfields athlete Rebecca Mann was a standout performer in the women’s field, securing wins in each main event of the championships: the short course solo kayak, the long course solo kayak and the long course doubles event.

Western Australia’s Josh Kippin performed at an elite level in the men’s long course events, placing first in both the solo kayak final and the doubles kayak final.

A selection of athletes were also chosen to represent Australia at the World Championships in Denmark later this year.

“Geelong Canoe Club was thrilled to host this year’s championships over the Easter long weekend,” president Carmel Brown said.

“It was amazing to see so many of Australia’s and Oceania’s best paddlers compete in various races and divisions on the beautiful Barwon River.

“We are very proud of all our members who participated in the championships, from competing on the water to volunteering to help run the event and food stalls.”

For full results, head to vic.paddle.org.au