Yesterday I attended lunch at the Riverside Hotel in Belmont with the Belmont Rotary Club members who kindly awarded me with an Achievement Award and donated $250.00 to a charity of my choosing.

The Rotarians were a friendly bunch of people and I felt relaxed straight away. One of the members had met me in 1990 when I was walking/running the 16,000 km Canning Stock Route on my 24,000 km Around Australia, kayak, cycle, backpack and walk/run. He said he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw me running through the desert.

After lunch I gave a short presentation of my achievements. Thank you Belmont Rotary.

(The self-declared mission of Rotary, is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders". It is a non-political and non-religious organization.)

Other Awards

• Winner of the ‘OLEGAS TRUCHANAS’ Canoeing Award, Paddle Australia, 1983 & 2012
• Ascot Kayak Club, ‘LIFE MEMBER’, 1989.
• Perth’s Lord Mayors ‘ENDURANCE AWARD’, 1991.
• Paddle West Australia, ‘RECREATION AWARD’, 1991.
• Australian Geographic, ‘SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AWARD’, 1992.
• Canoeing of Western Australia, ‘PRESIDENTS AWARD’, awarded three times 1993, 94 & 97.
• Paddle West Australia ‘LIFE MEMBER’, 2005.
• Avon Descent Legend, 2016.
• Paddle West Australia –‘Hall of Fame’ 2018.
• Paddle Australia–‘Master Paddler of the Year’ 2019.
• Paddle Australia–‘Presidents Award’ 2022.
• Australian Marathon Committee –Master Paddler of the Year 2023.
• I have also received several club awards and many certificates of appreciation. 

Well another month has gone by making it the 7^th month that I have paddled the most kilometres in the world that has been recorded. So below are the distances I have paddled.

May Challenge 745.18 kms.

It doesn't matter what the weather is like but to achieve the amount of kilometres I have been doing in the last 7 months, I have to be out there in it. Instead of the heat we now have rain and dark evenings, so a lot of my paddling now is under the stars or like more recently the rain clouds.

This year's kilometres.

I haven't forgotten how to paddle a kayak!

Steve Angle on Tuesday evening after the storm at PRG training.

Steve Angle, Byron Hensley, & Sharon Cobley on Thursday evening.

Wild Water Buoys Race

It was the first Wild Water Race of the season although there was no wild water just buoys and posts to weave around. Nevertheless it's still good fun.

Briefing the two different races - 

the sprint - arounds the poles and 

the classic - all boats off together and weave around the poles and 22 buoys.

The classsic race about to start.

Rhys and Hunter off the line like a rocket.

Harry, Michael and Hunter.

Michael is still close to Harry.

Rhys chased by Wayne.

Me giving chase.

Steph chased by Manny.

Sprint Results:

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=392452

Classic Results:

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=392462

Thank you to all of our volunteers:

Harry Langley (race director),

Kate McRae and Beck, Scott and Scarlett Florisson (timers),

Kris Smith (chair/rego setup),

Terry Bolland (buoys placement, provision + maintenance)

All competitors who helped setup/pack up the course

Paddling through central Budapest.

Hopefully this will be me in September after the World Masters Championships.

Guildford to Garratt

Battle of the Paddlesports! Paddle v Oar 

A rowing 4 about to pass a ladies K4.

There weren't that many K4 teams but the women were out in force.

Nearly there.

WAs Michael Booth in Austria

It is one of Europe’s most exciting and international SUP race weekends of the year! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Austria, THE LAKE ROCKS, part of the SUP Alps Trophy and the ICF World Ranking Series, is where the global SUP community comes together to celebrate speed, endurance, and stoke.

With over 400 competitive racers and paddlers from 20 nations, this event is more than just a race – it’s a full-on festival for professionals, amateur racers, and first-timers alike. From world champions and rising young talents to passionate masters and fun-race newcomers, this weekend will showcase the full spectrum of stand-up paddling.

What a start.

Michael on the right paddling for third place.

Close racing.

Michael gets third place and collects 750 euro.

The start of a Tech Race.

Birds Along The Way

Pied Stilts.

What a beautiful bird.

Yellow-billed Spoonbill.

Great Egret.

I met up with Sarah and Pip on Thursday again checking the trees for discarded fishing lines. And there were lots as usual.

Dagger Sea Kayak

for sale

$700 for the kayak paddle and skirt, 

$900 ono for the lot including long ladies size 12 skins, medium men’s short skins, emergency paddle, rhino roof rack holders, dry box booties and gloves and life jacket. 

Contact Michael Mitchell 0418647897