*|January 2020 Newsletter|*

Welcome to 2020!

As we enter a new year, we hope that you found time over the holiday period to spend some time with friends and loved ones (and maybe even to get out on the water!).

While the end of the year is a time for many of us to recharge, the last few months have been an enormously difficult period for many Australians. In light of the recent bushfires across the country, the Athletes Commission of Paddle Australia has teamed up with the Australian Red Cross to create a bushfire appeal fundraiser for those who have been worst affected. All donations are tax deductible. As a paddling community we hope to provide some relief to those who are struggling at the moment.

Click here to support Paddle Australia's Bushfire Appeal >>>

Yours in Paddling

Paddle Australia

LATEST NEWS

Paddle South Australia Life Member Awarded Order of Australia

Congratulations to Paddle South Australia's very own Peter Carter, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honours list.

Peter maintains a fascinating personal website which is a treasure trove of all things paddling (as well as some philosophical musings). Peter's website can be found here.

Details of his citation can be found at this link >>>

How Far Could You Paddle in 24 Hours?

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Burley Griffin 24hr Paddle Challenge (9 December 2019) gave paddlers the chance to see just how far they can paddle in 24 hours individually or as part of a team.

Each lap was 4.7km in length with winning team completing 35 laps (over 160km) and the winning individual paddling 29 laps (over 130km)!

Click here to see results and more from the 24hr Paddle Challenge >>>

Click the above icon to watch the event video. Edit: Naomi Johnson

Taylor Maiden Voyage - Hunter River

Lauren and Ben Taylor (members of Newy Paddlers) raised nearly $50,000 for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, the amazing cancer hospital that looked after their mum. The Taylor's Maiden Voyage took place over 15 days, 450km and more than 100 hours of walking and paddling.

The siblings faced a number of challenges throughout their expedition, but were able to tough it out to raise money for a good cause. Lauren and Ben now look to plan out the Taylor's Second Voyage.

Click here to read the full story >>>

TIPS, TRICKS & HANDY TOOLS

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke? Know the Difference

As the heat continues to rise over February, it's important to remember to best protect yourself from it.

Hyperthermia can affect anybody in two forms; through heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs from overexposure to the heat or due to a lack of hydration. If you start to feel faint, sweat excessively, feel nauseous, or get muscle cramps then you likely have heat exhaustion, and should drink water, find a cooler place or take a cool shower.

Heat stroke can happen the same way as heat exhaustion, but is more severe. Symptoms include a headache, inability to sweat, body temperature of over 40C, vomiting and a loss of consciousness. If this happens to you or anybody else, find a cool area and call 000 immediately.

Always be sure to check the weather before paddling, as both of these conditions are easily preventable.
Find out more read Paddle Australia's Extreme Heat Recommendations.

MEMBER UPDATES

Feature Club: Swan Canoe Club

The oldest canoe club in Western Australia, Swan Canoe Club, was constructed in 1966 and united the state's first paddlers. Since then, the SCC clubhouse has undergone many changes and renovations and is now situated just 10km from Perth City on the Swan River. Past and present club members have represented Australia in many disciplines including slalom, sprint, wildwater, freestyle and ocean racing, and have a wealth of ex-Olympians in their alumni.

EVENTS

Community Success at the Mitta Festival of Paddling

River Racing Australia held the 2019 Mitta Festival of Paddling last year in Victoria, following the 2020 Wildwater Canoeing National Championships (15-16 December 2019).

The festival kicked off with a 9.5km downriver race along the Mitta Mitta River that ended just outside the Mitta Mitta pub, where all competitors were given a complimentary lunch voucher. Sunday's program consisted of the national schools downriver championship races as well as the community downriver sprint and classic events. Photos taken by Paddle Australia can be found here.

Click here for a wrap up on the Mitta Mitta inaugural race >>>

World's Greatest Paddlers at the 2020 Sydney International Whitewater Festival

Over 300 athletes from around the world met in Penrith to compete in slalom, wildwater and freestyle last year, including many Olympic and World Champions who will return to Australia for the festival.

The Sydney International Whitewater Festival is back again for 2020 and looks to impress as much as the inaugural competition (21-23 February 2020).

Find out more with the event details here >>>

PLACES TO EXPLORE

Frankland River (Western Australia) Photo: David Bettini

This river is in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and is around 400km long. There are many popular trails for paddling, one of which is a 13km secluded paddle along the quiet, forested river.

The estuary is a haven for water birds and wildlife, and the combination of deep water and easy navigation make this a suitable half-day trip for the family.

Find out more here >>>

PADDLE TO TOKYO

Olympic Season Begins at Canoe Slalom Championships

Paddle Australia’s national canoe slalom series kicked off earlier this month with top-level racing at the Canoe Slalom National Championships in Penrith (10-12 January 2020).

With just 190 days until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Australia’s current and aspiring Olympians pushed themselves to their limits to gain selection to the Australian Olympic Slalom Team. Racing continues next week at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand, before returning to Penrith later in February for the Australian Open.

Click here for a wrap up from the National Championships and all the results >>>

Click Here To See & Subscribe to "Paddle To Tokyo" Newsletter

Official Olympic Sprint & Slalom Supporters Merchandise is Here

The Australian Olympic Committee have released the official Australian supporters merchandise for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Sport-specific items can also be purchased, so get behind our Sprint and Slalom Olympians and show your support!

Click here to see the AOC Canoe Sprint & Slalom supporter gear >>>

FEATURED PHOTO

Progressive Racing Squad members from Ascot Kayak Club (WA) enjoying a leisurely New Year's Day paddle.

So... How Did We Go?

What do you think of this newsletter? What would you like to see in future editions?

All comments and feedback are welcome and will help us to make sure that we're providing the updates that you care about most!

We would also love to hear about what paddlers are getting up to! Send in your photos, videos or stories to be featured in Paddle Pulse.

Please contact us at info@paddle.org.au.

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