July has been another month highlighted by the success of our Australian paddlers on the world stage.
Congratulations to Claudia Bailey and Jasmine Rayward on their medal winning performances at the 2023 ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Italy. Seeing our pathways athletes shine internationally is always a proud moment, especially as we countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In countdowns to other major events, this month we also celebrated one year to go to the Paris Olympic Games. It was fantastic to see our very own Olympic champion Jess Fox joining other athletes from the Australian Olympic Team in Sydney, as we all got a sneak peek into what to expect in Paris in 12 months’ time.
Back at home, another countdown is heating up, with the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships set to head down under in a matter of months. It has been great to see the entries coming in so far, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best ocean paddlers to Australia. See the video below for a sense of just what will be on the line in Perth in late November.Â
On Ocean Racing, congratulations to Shaw and Partners Financial Services, long term sponsors of the Australian Ocean Racing Series, on stepping in as naming rights sponsor for the Shaw and Partners Financial Services Molokai Challenge. The iconic event has struggled over the last few years due to COVID and made a welcome return in May. Great to see an Australian based sponsor supporting such an important international event and even better to see Cory Hill and Jemma Smith secure line honours.
As we head towards the end of winter, and warmer weather on our shores, it is important to ensure you are covered when enjoying our waterways. Don’t forget to protect your paddle craft and equipment under our Paddle Protect policy. You can find out more about our Paddle Protect policy in this month’s Paddle Pulse.
Until next month, and as always, stay safe when exploring our beautiful waterways!
Phil Jones
Paddle Australia CEO
