Derek Cross

The news of Derek Cross dying from a medical episode whilst out paddling on the ocean was so devastating. It’s hard to believe that we will no longer see his smiling face, his competitive spirit and his volunteering nature around any more.

I first met Derek and his wife Shelley when they came into Canoeing Down Under to buy a ski many years ago.

Alaine Davin and I loved when they came into the store and spent time talking to them both as they were a very friendly and likeable pair.

Our condolences to Shelley and family. There are no words that convey the enormous loss.  

Derek with close friend Jade Lane receiving their marathon paddling awards at the Awards Night last year.

Derek will be missed. He died way too early.

Derek was a fierce competitor.

Derek was a team player and loved the competition.

No matter the sport Derek could master it and do very well.

There was no holding him back.

He still had so much to give.

He will be remembered fondly.

Coming Events

WA State Sprint Championships 

Champion Lake

Sat 31st January & Sun 1st February 2026

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Mandurah Canals

8th February 2026

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Canning Classic

22nd February 2026

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Wild Water Training 

Around the Buoys

Friday morning 6.00am

Convicts Fence Race

Canning River

Portage or non-portage

5 laps - 4 portages

Photo's Peter Martin, Selena Lloyd, Rob Lindgren and Gordon Innes.

The Convict Fence Race was the first kayak race and the 5^th time I paddled my kayak since the World Canoe Masters Canoe Marathon in early September in Hungary. Not paddling kayak for over 4 months I was wondering how I would go.

The race had a non-portage or portage section and I chose to portage as it makes the race much more interesting. Despite having a rattly, unstable knee, (which SUP paddling didn’t help,) I can still jog along, although with a slight limp. 

So I waited on the start line with 19 other paddlers only one other paddler, John Hilton, being over 65 years, so I was going to win the 75+ as long as I didn’t break down. It did mean however that I could be bringing up the rear.

I had a pretty good start, but it didn't take long for at least 18 of the 19 paddlers to sped ahead. 

I had my eye on Agnes and Nicky who were in my vicinity and for a moment I thought I might be able to keep up with them, but it was the shortest moment as they started pulling away. Over on my right I could see Isabel Maddison in bright pink but she also was slightly ahead of me so my race wasn’t looking good.

It was about 800 metres to the first buoy turn and where the water ruffled and we headed into the wind and I still hadn’t caught up with Isabel but within another 200 metres I started passing her. The lord must have seen my pain and allowed me to find a little more strength, at least to get past her. What a relief. Although she was only a few metres behind when I did my first portage. I convinced myself it wasn’t beating other paddlers that was important, it was just taking part. Then I had another thought and decided it was important to beat someone so I kept paddling as hard as I could.

As I got back into my kayak on that first portage Isabel was hitting the water as I was taking off. In the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Nashani Jacob behind. That made me feel better, there were now 2 paddlers behind me. How good is that! Agnes and Nicky were well gone.

As we paddled towards the buoy turn 5 times with the wind, and back towards the finish line against the wind I passed a few non-portage paddlers, like Julie McDonald and Peter Ward 2 or 3 times. Non-portage paddlers gained a few hundred metres every time we portaged. 

At my last portage I was lapped by Josh and Harry, which seemed to indicate to me that they were doing an extra lap. (Apparently they did.) Then later on Kelby passed me and also went for an extra portage. It appeared that someone couldn’t count or didn’t read the briefing notes.

Agnes finished 4 minutes in front of me, Nicky just over 2 minutes and Isabel 1 minute 13 seconds behind me. Agnes and Nicky were faster than me around the World Marathon time so there was no surprise they beat me. I suppose I do need to lift my game.

John Kippin, Harry Hewitt and Michael Glorie lead the way. 

They also decided to do an extra lap.

John Hilton is now in the 65+ and going strong.

John was the organiser and paddles at this location lots.

Agnes Pajor is a strong paddler and getting stronger.

She duelled with Darryl Long and beat him by 4 seconds.

Nicky Taylor didn't hang around waiting for me. She was off.

I come up to the portage.

Photo Selena Lloyd.

It's up and out to keep in front of Isabel.

A run doesn't hurt anyone.

Isabel was not far behind at the first portage.

I had better get going.

Summer Wild Water Training

Claughton Reserve, Bayswater, 6.00am Friday.

Results 16/1/26

Overall | 2026 WildWater WA Summer Training #2 | Series results | Webscorer

23 paddlers turned up to the 6.00am Wild Water training around the buoys this morning.

5 paddlers were completely new to paddling a kayak without a rudder.

They learnt pretty quick.

We have training, technique training and then two short races. 

This type of training helps skills development and is helpful no matter what type of paddling you take up.

Alila Thorpe following in her dad's (Simon's) paddle-steps.

Her brother Oliver beat dad on his first run by .02 of a second.

Georgia Fox taking to a wavehopper for the first time.

Hayley Williams taming the wavehopper and enjoying the experience.

Debbie Robinson who is in a Finn kayak that doesn't turn very well having a bit of disadvantage on the turns. 

Wavehopper for her next week.

Three more weeks to go. 

Do you want to give it a go?

Harry Langley heading to the Australian Wild Water Championships this weekend.

Good luck Harry.

Luke Dooley

Following in My footsteps

Luke came to me a week ago and asked if he could borrow a sea kayak so he could paddle to Kalbarri. He had a couple of weeks to spare so he wanted to paddle back to his hometown and arrive there on January 26th, Australia Day.

Luke paddled from my home down the Swan River, through the harbour and up to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Today Friday he left Hillarys heading north.

Back in 2002 the same kayak did the same journey but went further north of Kalbarri along the cliffs to Steep Point.

Getting close to Kalbarri.on that 2002 journey.

Luke started paddling seriously when he was about 14. 

He had a dream to win the Avon Descent. 

My best result in the Avon was 2nd and 3rd. 

Luke did one better winning it twice.

Avon Descent winner.

I helped Luke with a lot of his paddling and with boats. He soon developed into a good marathon paddler, wildwater paddler, slalom paddler, ocean racing paddler and kayak adventurer. 

In 2019 Luke joined John Breed and I on an ocean expedition from Vancouver to Prince Rupert, 1100 kms.

Terry Bolland's Paddle for Prostate Cancer

If You would like to donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation - 

Please Donate here:- 

https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/terrybolland

Many thanks, Terry.

Donate and 3 people will be drawn out to win

Books - Birds Along The Way - A Race Along The Way (Yukon River) - Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk and Kimberley Challenge.

A set of Tie Downs, a CDU Water Bottle, a Dry Bag and a 4 ply Toilet Roll (not used).

Will be drawn on January 26th.

WA State Sprint Championships 

Champion Lake

Sat 31st January & Sun 1st February 2026

Mandurah Canals

8th February 2026