It's going to be a busy weekend K4 Challenge on Saturday and the Classic Paddle on Sunday.

Being back in Perth has meant it's back paddling the SUP. It was in November last year when I joined the SUP MY RACE and started sending my kilometres that I paddled every day to Chris Jones, the organiser in Sweden.

So at the end of this month it will be 12 months since I started the challenge and if I keep on track and paddle SUP every day until the end of this month I will have paddled around 7777 kms in that time. That's an average of 648 kms a month for 12 months, but if you take off the month that I have been overseas and haven't paddled SUP, the average of 11 months would be 707 kms a month. (Then there are my kayak kilometres which don't count.)

The only trouble is the SUP MY RACE yearly total starts in January and goes to the end of December so to be on top of the leader board at years end I will have to keep paddling SUP until the end of year. I am leading now but I don't expect any rest until December 31st.

An Osprey having a good feed.

Sorry so many bird photos in the newsletter this week.

I met John on the river this week. He was happy to see me back as he missed the newsletter. I don’t get much feedback so it was good to hear that John enjoys receiving it. 

I also met Austen Mullen this week. I hadn't seen him for a while but back in 1980-81 Austen used to join me on sea kayaking trips down Albany way when I was training for my 1982 Kimberley Kayak Expedition. We had some interesting paddles.

Austen in my Anus Acuta kayak paddling WAs south coast in 1980.

Progressive Racing Group

Tuesday 5.00pm 

Ascot Kayak Club

Jeannette Busch and Kate Crossing racing each other and  trying to get a personal best time.

Only 3 x 1.25 km circuits. Staggered starts, fastest off last. 

Fun event and a good fitness session.

Races

11/10.25 - K4 Challenge - Bayswater

12/10/25 - Classic Paddle to Fremantle

18/10/25 IOP #3

2/11/25 Moore River Marathon

8/11/25 IOP #4

16/11/25 Pinjarra to Ravenswood Marathon

UK Paddling

After the World Canoe Masters Champs and sightseeing in Hungary I headed to the UK to visit family and friends and to do a little Stand Up Paddling.

Trent Lock on the Erewash Canal near Nottingham.

A narrow boat motoring down the Erewash Canal.

Chesterfield Canal.

Chesterfield Canal.

Reflections.

World Slalom Championships

Jessica Fox today confirmed that following recent surgery to remove a tumour on her kidney, she will be withdrawing from the Australian team for upcoming Slalom World Championships being held in Penrith from 29 September – 4 October 2025.

Fox, who underwent surgery just four weeks ago, is focused on her recovery which is going well but requires more time as part of that process.

Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane, said while Jess will be missed as part of the Australian team line up, she has the full support of the entire paddling community.

“Jess’s health and recovery is the only thing that matters right now, and she has our full support,” she said.

“Jess’ courage, resilience and ability to make sense of life’s most challenging moments with a positive mindset and a splash of humor, are some of the things all Australians admire most and are inspired by and we believe that by prioritising her recovery there’s a greater chance she’ll be back on the water in the near future.”

The ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025 

has come to a stunning close as thousands lined the banks at Penrith Whitewater Stadium to cheer on the world’s best paddlers. 

For the first time in 20 years the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships returned to Penrith with more than 230 paddlers from 41 nations battling for medals across 12 events.

The home crowd was treated to many incredible Australian team performances, including two bronze medals courtesy of Kaylen Bassett (Men’s C1) and Kate Eckhardt (Women’s K1).

Bronze medalist's Kate Eckhardt (Women’s K1) and Kaylen Bassett (Men’s C1).

Olympic champion Noemie Fox together with dual Olympian Lucien Delfour, carried the flag for Australia at the opening ceremony. 

Fox said she couldn’t be more proud of her team mates but also for the whole Sydney 2025 Organising Committee. 

“It’s so amazing how this event has come together, from the volunteers to the organisers. 

“I’m proud of my two team mates who  did what the dream is to do and that is to perform at your best and step onto the podium. Kate and Kaylen made me dream today and I’m super proud of them,” she said,” she said. 

The Canoe Team’s event set the tone for a thrilling week in Penrith, with France showcasing precision and power to take gold in the men’s race while Czechia surged to victory in the women’s.

Both nations backed up their dominance with a second team gold in the Kayak Team’s event. The men’s race was particularly exciting as France edged out Japan by just 0.06 seconds in a nail-biting finish that denied the Japanese trio a historic win.

Australia's Kaylen Bassett bronze medalist C1.

The individual finals saw standout performances from athletes who rose to the occasion. Poland’s Klaudia Zwolinska claimed a double gold in both canoe and kayak events and finished her week with a bronze in the kayak cross.

France’s Titouan Castryck and Nicolas Gestin added to their nation’s medal tally with composed, commanding runs in the men’s kayak and canoe finals respectively while Joe Clarke (GBR) claimed a fourth consecutive world title in the men’s Kayak Cross and Angele Hug (FRA) stormed to gold ahead of teammate Camille Prigent (FRA) in the women’s race.

France’s Titouan Castryck and Nicolas Gestin added to their nation’s medal tally with composed, commanding runs in the men’s kayak and canoe finals respectively while Joe Clarke claimed a fourth consecutive world title in the men’s Kayak Cross and Angele Hug (FRA) stormed to gold ahead of teammate Camille Prigent (FRA) in the women’s race.

While the incredible athletes were the stars of the show, the fans and supporters created an incredible atmosphere that saw the Sydney 2000 legacy venue shine.

From local families to travelling supporters, thousands lined the banks of the course each day, creating a festival atmosphere. Their cheers lifted every run and gave the stadium an unforgettable energy.

More than 130 volunteers, club members, and local paddlers played a crucial role in delivering the event. Their tireless work, from course preparation to athlete support, showcased the strength and warmth of this unique paddling hub.

Paddle Australia President Andrew Trim reflected on the incredible support the event has received, from all stakeholder groups. 

“Events like this do not happen in isolation and we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the local Western Sydney community.  

“We have 130 volunteers that dedicated their time over throughout the World Championships and whom without this event would simply not have happened. 

“Thank you to the International Canoe Federation, who has entrusted Paddle Australia with the delivery of this event and supported it throughout. 

“A huge thank you also to the NSW Government, in particular NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper and the NSW Office of Sport, the Australian Government, in particular Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells and the Australian Office of Sport, our major event partner Grant Thornton as well as all our event partners, supporters and suppliers,” he said. 

Australia's Kate Eckhardt bronze medalist K1.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships were more than a week of world-class racing; they created lasting benefits for athletes, the Penrith community, and the global paddling movement.

Venue Upgrades & Infrastructure
In the lead-up to the event, significant investments were made by the NSW Government into Penrith Whitewater Stadium, including upgrades to course features, athlete facilities, and spectator amenities. These improvements mean the venue remains one of the most advanced slalom centres in the world, providing a training and competition hub for current and future Olympians.

A Platform for the Next Generation
With schools, clubs, and youth programs actively involved, the ICF Slalom World Championships inspired thousands of young Australians. From school visits to “come and try” paddling sessions, children had the chance to see heroes of the sport up close and dream about their own futures on the water. The exposure to international competition will help grow grassroots participation in canoe slalom and kayaking across Australia.

Community Engagement & Volunteering
Hundreds of volunteers gave their time, energy, and expertise to deliver the event. This spirit of community involvement not only made the Championships possible but also built a stronger local volunteer network ready to support future events.

Tourism & Economic Impact
With athletes, officials, and fans from over 40 nations, the Championships brought a surge of international visitors to Western Sydney. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefitted, while global broadcast exposure showcased Penrith and the Blue Mountains as premier destinations for sport and tourism.

Cultural & Environmental Legacy

The Championships emphasised sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness. Local cultural showcases — including Indigenous performances at the Opening Ceremony — highlighted the heritage and diversity of Western Sydney, leaving a proud cultural imprint alongside the sporting achievements.

Birds Along The Way

Home for a Rainbow Lorikeet.

Rainbow Lorikeet.

Young Darters - not happy Jan!

Pelicans on the hunt.

Galahs have been known to chew away the bark of trees that they intend on nesting in and one theory is that they do this to form a slippery surface to stop goannas from steeling the eggs from the nest.

Another theory is that the bark has something in it that Galahs like.

A Galah sits by it's nest.

Hardhead Ducks not commonly seen on the Swan River.

Darter.

Young Darters.

A juvenile Silver Gull.

Silver Gull.

Darter & Wood Duck.

Don't forget my book - Birds on the Swan River.

Soon be Christmas.

2025 State Ocean Racing Champs

At the end of the race - just don't look back!!

IOP SUMMER SERIES RACE 3 IS COMING SOON
 Date - October 18th, 2025
 
LONG COURSE -  

Port Beach (North Fremantle)  to Sorrento SLSC, 24km's.
Refreshments and food in the Sorrento Surf Club after the race.

Race check in is at Port Beach from 12.30pm, with race commencing at 2pm.  Race briefing  at 1.30pm.
Leg leash, PFD, PLB, Phone, and 4 flares or EVDS. MANDATORY for all racers on the LONG Course.
Please bring all of these items to race check in to be sighted **
 Note that equipment must comply with DOT requirements.
- https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine/recreational-boating/rules-safety-guides/water-activity-safety/paddle-craft

For tracking, everyone needs to have a Webscorer account, download the Webscorer app on your phone, and sign into your account.
If Water Safety asks you to go further in you are expected to do so.
Thank you Delisio pizza romana for sponsoring the 3rd Summer Short Course Race.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Vaikobi SHORT COURSE - 

Port Beach (North Fremantle) to North Cottesloe Surf Club, 6KM.
Refreshments in the North Cot SLSC club house afterwards.
Race check in at Port Beach (Sand Tracks - same place as 1st race) from 12.45pm. Race Briefing at 1.40pm and on the water for a 2pm start. 
No participant should enter the water prior to the briefing.
Can you all please wear your IOP Orange hat if you raced in Race 1.
* All racers must have PFD, Phone and Leg Leash. Please have these sighted on check in.
For tracking, we would like everyone to have a Webscorer account, download the Webscorer app on your phone, and sign into your account.
If you don't have the instructions for using this App. we will have instructions at the check in area on race day.
 
N.B. There are now 3 races in this series for the short course participants. Place getters from first to 4th will receive a point score. 
1st place 4 points, 2nd place 3 points, 3rd place 2 points and 4th place 1 point. 
At the end of the series, after the 3rd race on the 8th of November,  the winners will be announced. 

Winners will have the best scores taken from their best two races, in Male and Female categories, 16 and under, 17 - 18 years, 19 - 39 and  Masters 40+. The participants with the highest tally of two races will be the winners 
Thank you Vaikobi Ocean Performance for sponsoring the 2nd Summer Short Course Race.

Race entry and Fees
If you are a Paddle W.A. member you must enter your PA number in when registering to avoid an insurance fee.

The race cost is $25 for IOP members. There is an option for IOP members to select which will apply the $20 discount, which is only valid for current IOP members.  
Non members have a race day surcharge of $24, ($12 for U18's) so take the opportunity to sign up with PA and IOP before you register to avoid insurance costs every time you race. 

The $25 fee helps cover water safety.
Under 18's race free.
 
Long Course - REGISTER HERE 
Short Course -  Register here 
 
We need volunteers to help at check in, and at the finish line for the long and short courses.
Contact events@iop.asn.au if you can help please.