Dear Canoe Sprint Community,
This is the first newsletter for the 2022 Paddle Australia (PA) Canoe Sprint paddling season. The newsletter will start as a monthly communication with sprint paddling news. The purpose is to assist in keeping everyone informed of important competition and event information.
PA Grand Prix 1. West Lakes Adelaide SA, 10th to 12th December 2021
The 2021 PA Canoe Sprint GP1 regatta, was set to take place at West Lakes in Adelaide from Friday the 10th to Sunday the 12th of December 2021.
Unfortunately, the current COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges, with state border closures Australia-wide. Obviously, the safety and wellbeing of our paddlers is our highest priority. Equally, we recognise the need for certainty to allow paddlers and their families to plan their attendance at PA national events, often requiring flights and accommodation bookings. A national level event must allow all paddlers the opportunity to participate.
Therefore, in consultation with Paddle South Australia, the local organising committee, and in accordance with the PA National Level Competitions policy (click here), PA has sadly had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 PA Canoe Sprint GP1 regatta as a national level event.
However, Paddle South Australia still aims to hold a state level competition on the same dates if restrictions allow. Further updates will be provided in the coming weeks as Paddle South Australia closely monitors the ongoing situation. For athletes who are able travel to West Lakes in South Australia to take part please send enquiries regarding this competition to Luke Haniford on email sa.coaching@paddle.org.au
Paddle Australia particularly wishes to thank the PSA local organisers for their dedication and tireless work in very difficult circumstances to try to provide competition opportunities for paddlers in our community.
PA Grand Prix 2. SIRC Penrith NSW, 17th to 20th February 2022
Paddle Australia are still planning for the 2021 PA Canoe Sprint GP2 regatta proceeding at the Sydney International Regatta Centre from 17th to 20th February. Please lock these dates in your diary. Further information will be provided closer to the event.
PA Canoe Sprint Nationals. Champion Lakes Perth WA, 29th March to 2nd April 2022
The PA Canoe Sprint National Championships are currently scheduled to be held at Champion Lakes in Perth, Western Australia from 29th to 2nd April.
Paddle Australia is closely monitoring the circumstances with Covid-19 and the Western Australian border closures.
A decision will be made late November at a meeting of the Technical Committee as to whether the location of the Championships will remain in Perth, or if a different location will be chosen due to border closures. An announcement of the decision will follow by December.
PA is aware the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships is also being hosted in Perth the week following the PA Canoe Sprint Championships. PA is working closely with Surf Life Saving Australia on this matter.
We look forward, with your help, to the 2022 Sprint Canoe competitions commencing with the GP2 regatta in Sydney in February and the National Championships in March/April. I know our sprint community are ready to get together soon for some racing, team camaraderie and fun.
Regards,
Lucy Warhurst
Sport Operations Manager
