2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Championships
The 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Championships on the Mann River brought together Australia’s top wildwater paddlers for a
weekend of impressive racing on the January long weekend.
Champions were crowned across multiple age categories, ranging from U16 to over 65, highlighting the depth and diversity of the wildwater community.
Jacqui Lachmann (NSW) had a championship to remember,
claiming gold in the women’s category in both the Sprint and Classic events. Rising star Isabella Florrisson (WA) followed suit, taking out the women’s U16 events for both distances.
In the men’s competition, Harry Langley (WA) secured victory in the Sprint, winning both the men’s and Open categories, while Matt Dalziel (TAS) dominated the men’s Classic events in the same
divisions. Consistency across the age groups was a feature of the event with multiple paddlers topping the podium in both Sprint and Classic races, including Joseph Menzies (NSW) for U16, Tobias Sexton (VIC) for U18, Warren Elms (VIC) for 55+ and Steven Muir (NSW) for 65+.
Hosted by the Big River Canoe Club (BRCC), the championships marked the largest domestic event on the Australian
wildwater calendar and served as key selection event for the 2026 World Championships – set to be held at Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 21-24 May 2026.
Event organiser Peter Menzies said the event delivered both high-quality racing and a strong sense of community.
“It was great to see paddlers travel from across the country and compete at such a high level. The mix of experienced athletes and first-timers created an awesome atmosphere for the weekend,” he said.
With weeks of close weather monitoring leading into the event, river conditions aligned perfectly just days before racing began.
“We were very lucky to get the river into the ideal range. Water levels were perfect for technical racing on the Hanging Rock course, and racing on a free-flowing, unregulated river like this is becoming increasingly rare,” Menzies said.
With the championships being held over the
long weekend, the event also drew strong interest from spectators and campers along the riverbank, offering a close-up look at the speed and excitement of wildwater racing. Source Paddle Australia.
Kris Smith back from being an official at the Wild Water Championships in NSWs.
Alila Thorpe getting a good boat tilt.
Debbie, Dave and Alila.
Chris Hollier on the left, said the course is either getting easier or my skils are getting better. He has been paddling several years so I would say his skills have improved.
Harry on the right has
just returned from the Australian Wildwater Championships. He came first in the Sprint Race and will be off to Europe this winter.
He put on a good show today zooming around the course as fast as a Greyhound.
The Wild Donnelly River
Kate, Fayley and Sue’s Adventure
The Donnelly River
It was a kayak trip down the Donnelly River to wild camp at the river mouth. It rained wildly and heavily and we couldn't believe we would arrive at our destination so wet and cold. Who knew summer in Western Australia could lead to us almost getting hypothermia? After setting up camp and changing into warm, dry clothes, an exploratory beach walk was enjoyed.
The might of the waves crashing onto the beach was mesmerising to watch. The rain cleared, the sun came out, and we managed to get all our gear dried.
The next morning we walked out to the beach and was rewarded by seeing a kangaroo hopping along the sand before crossing through the water to the dunes. How cool.
The return paddle started in sunshine but the dark clouds were gathering behind us and before too long we were inundated by the worst squall that we had ever been caught in. It was very intense for a few minutes but we all survived and were very relieved when it finally passed over.
Of course the
sun came out again in time for us to reach the boat ramp and the end of our paddle trip. Boats were loaded, wet clothes changed for dry ones, and we headed for home via Nannup for a hot meal and coffee. A most excellent adventure indeed.
Thanks Kate and Fayley for the great company
Fayley and Kate.
Photo Sue
As soon as we reached our destination very wet at the river mouth we changed into dry cold and erected our tents.
A kangaroo running across the sand.
Fayley and Kate.
A hot cup of tea always helps to warm us up.
Kate and Sue relaxing and getting warm.
The impressive coast line.
What a beautiful evening.
Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling
Year 1987
Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4
With replenished food supplies we paddled away from Koolan Island and further into the wilderness. The tide was advancing quickly into the surrounding bays requiring us to perform a 5 kilometre ferry glide across the swift currents.
We paddled into a small cove that was full of debris and logs of all sizes floating up and down with the tide. The heat was intense. We dragged our kayaks up the beach to start unloading. Ken entered the shallow water and crouched down to cool off. As he stared across the cove, a sudden movement in the debris caused him to leap to his feet. He saw a shape rise and move and he nervously shouted
crocodile and immediately ran from the water.
I dropped my gear and turned. Ken was running for his life. I quickly extracted my rifle from its case and at that moment the leathery reptile disappeared beneath the surface. The rapid tide had reached our kayaks and waves started dumping into our open rear compartments. The crocodile lost important, swamped kayaks were now our immediate
concern. I rushed over to Ken and held the rifle towards the lapping surf whilst he dragged the kayaks further up the beach.
The crocs absence posed a mystery, was it swimming closer to us and would it strike? We watched for ripples on the water and at last the croc rose, its whole body surfacing at once and revealing its 4 metre length. Its magnetic eerie stare chilled us. It soon
sank out of sight.
At shower time we filled our pots and washed on the beach but one of us stood with the rifle just in case. We retreated to a rock ledge not far from the waters’ edge when we saw a shadow under the water heading straight towards us, it didn’t look as big as a croc and it turned out being a turtle. A small wallaby hopped around the rocks and straight past us. We both
just about had heart attacks.
Sunset on the Kimberley Coast.
The walking to check out the country and to find water was pretty rugged.
We moved further down the coast occasionally being hit by sharks and although fearing crocodiles more than sharks we were forced to make a detour up a tidal creek to find water. After about 1 kilometre our route was barred by thick mangroves so we had no choice but to tie our kayaks to mangrove branches and walk the last 200 metres to a shallow
pool in a rock hole which gave us all the water we needed.
On our return the tide had risen and stranded our kayaks 10 metres from the cliffy shore. I didn’t fancy swimming out to them but I had no choice, crocs or no crocs. I slipped carefully into the water and gingerly swam out to the kayaks trying to create little splash. The ropes fastening the kayaks to the mangroves were well
underwater so I had no choice but to duck dive down a metre to untie the knots. My eyes stung as I fumbled with the ropes beneath the surface.
Through glassy eyes the drowned mangrove limbs waved with the currents and bubbles created by hidden crustaceans rose to the surface. It was a silent underwater world, a magic mystery that I would have cherished in safer waters. I eventually got
them free and towed them to the shoreline and we quickly climbed out of the water.
Back in our kayaks we paddled out of the creek as threatening storm clouds eased their way to our evening camp site on Helipad Island. Thunder, lightening, strong winds and then a violent downpour bombarded us. We rigged our spare tent fly in a hollow and within minutes we had collected a heap of
water. Now we had too much water and we couldn’t carry it all. What an amazing storm it was. Hot and humid, it was truely the wet season still.
The entrance to Secure Bay. Fast tidal currents.
Two days later we camped in Secure Bay before moving on to Walcott Inlet where we checked out the huge whirlpools in the river entrance that I paddled through on my 1982 trip. That day I could have died. It was too dangerous to try it a second time.
We camped just south of the Walcott Inlet Entrance and walked across country and the surrounds to check out the inlet with the current rushing in. As always the walk was rugged but beautiful.
A walk from our ocean side camp to view Walcott Inlet.
We walked to the entrance of Walcott Inlet.
There was an extremely fast current running into Walcott Inlet.
A small whirlpool and boils at the entrance.
More rapids heading into Walcott Inlet.
Leaving the Walcott Inlet camp we needed a 4.00am start to catch the tide and avoid trudging across too much mud. The moon filtering through the clouds gave us enough light to move around.
Large channels, carved out by the water,
zig-zagged the mud flats which was rapidly being exposed as the tide receded. To get our loaded kayaks to the mud and off the section of boulders we had them sitting on timbers so we could drag them down without damage. We slid them down the timbers and onto the mud where they slipped beautifully until a deep channel stopped our momentum. I managed to jump across it but while Ken was trying to push my kayak over the ditch he slipped into the mud and water up to his waist. Bloody fine state I’m
in, he yelled, as he looked around anxiously for crocs.
Once out of the ditch, it wasn’t long before we reached the swift tidal stream rushing out of Walcott Inlet.
We entered the fast running current that was riddled with eddies, boils and whirlpools. The sun had just
risen giving us glowing glimpses of the fiery rays trying to escape from behind the clouds. The red ochre cliffs lit up. We moved across the current carefully, with our rudders in full swing trying to control our craft. A large boil started to form. Its sides opened up like a developing earthquake. It became bigger and bigger and started to erupt. The boiling water lifted at least a metre above the rest of the sea and then changed and opened up and formed a whirlpool. I was struggling to prevent
myself from being dragged into it, but it subsided in the nick of time.
Without warning another boil formed, first the outside crater and the hole and then the eruption. We seemed surrounded as one more formed on my right side. Ken was directly in its path. There would be no chance of him keeping upright in such a destructive force of water so he desperately back paddled to escape its
violent eruptions. Relief was in sight as we crossed the entrance of the inlet and moved away from the powerful tidal effects.
Relieved but pretty excited with our dangerous crossing we paddled further north following the coastline to Raft Point passing High Bluff and Eagle Point a magnificent part of coast. High ochre cliffy islands, masses of mangroves and the huge expanse of water
of Doubtful Bay was a stunning sight from the water but more so from the cliff tops. The wet season was hot and humid but it had its advantages as we found another freshwater creek. Days later we arrived at the pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. Nothing could please us more than to have a short rest, collect our food packs and receive the hospitality of the management.
Really interesting, enjoyable & challenging course followed by lunch at the harbour-side!
Canning Classic is coming - Save the Date. Sunday 22nd February Kent Street Weir Wilson Lots of prizes Race Distance Long course 12 km - 6km downstream and back, portage around the weir, 6km upstream and back. 5 boat grid starts. Short course ~6
km
ASCOT PADDLE PASSPORT
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN!
Our popular beginner‑friendly junior kayaking course is back this Term 1, and we’re ready to hit the river!
Instructors are locked in and registrations are officially open.
If you’re looking for a safe, structured, and screen‑free activity that helps your child (ages 8–16) build confidence, coordination, and a love of the outdoors — this is it.
No experience needed
All equipment provided
Qualified instructors
Fun, safe & supportive environment
Course Snapshot:
• 4‑week program — $60 (GST incl.)
• Dates: 14 Feb, 21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 March
• Time: 8:30–9:30am (please arrive 15 mins early)
• Location: Ascot Kayak Club, Garvey Park
Kids will learn the fundamentals of kayaking through games, play, exploration and movement — building skills, water confidence, and independence in a positive, encouraging setting.
For Parents:
Spaces are limited to keep sessions safe and engaging. If this sounds like the right fit for your child, we encourage you to secure their spot
early.
Book now via the link in the comments
Let’s get kids outdoors, active, and discovering confidence on the water — one paddle stroke at a time.
Junior Paddling in Our Clubs
Currently, only 7% of our club members are junior paddlers - something we’d love to improve.
Many clubs already offer junior programs or junior paddling opportunities. As a starting point, it’s worth checking what’s available at your local club. You might have children, friends’ children, or grandchildren who would enjoy getting involved with a little encouragement.
To support our clubs,
Paddle WA is investing in two junior programs:
Paddle Up An introduction to paddling featuring fun activities, games, and challenges on sit-on-top kayaks.
Paddle Squad
Regular Friday afternoon sessions (4:30–6:00pm) focused on coaching and general paddling.
If you’re able to help us get started by encouraging some young paddlers to join one of the two Paddle Up
courses we’ve planned, that would be fantastic.
Cost: $66 for 3 sessions (all equipment supplied) Ages: 8–15 years
If you would still like to know more please contact the Paddle WA Office -08 9285 8501
Thank you
SLALOM KAYAK WANTED
Must be the new version - prefer no older than 5 years.
Call Glen Smith
044 880 55 33
A Big Thank You to the People below who donated to my SUP Challenge Fundraising
for the Prostate Cancer Foundation
Greg Pluim, John Grulich, Deborah Robinson, Sue And Andy Pankhurst, Glen Smith, Marie Andersson, Margaret Toohey, Jo Ward, Declan Hoare, Paul Andriessen, Joe Dowse, Hayley Williams, Jill Roberts, Michele Erica Joy Mcknight, Karen Hemsley, Bart Hollemans, Sally Wright, Jill Jarvis, Ryan Goodchild, Kirsten Campbell, Dave Smith, Kris Adrian, Graham Shield, Robin Jacob, Oliver, Gary and Andrea, Diana Lagrange, Patrick Irwin, Tashka, Brian Hunter, Justine
Stewart, David Gardiner, Anonymous, Kieren Wilson, Patrick, and Tony Power.
No experience needed
Course Snapshot:
For Parents:
Book now via the link in the comments
