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Canoeing, Kayaking & Other Adventures – kayaking

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Paddle Australia Unveils the 

2026 Australian Wildwater Team

WAs Hunter Florisson 

Paddle Australia is proud to announce the four athletes set to don the green and gold at the 2026 ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Championships in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina from 21-24 May 2026.

Following outstanding performances at the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Champions, Matt Dalziel, Hunter Florisson and Harry Langley have earned selection for the men’s K1 event. Robert Janiszewski will also compete for Australia in the men’s C1 competition.

Young gun Florisson is set to compete at his first World Championships for the wildwater discipline, which he said is an incredible opportunity. 

“This will be my first time competing in the senior team for Wildwater. I’m really looking forward to racing alongside and learning from more experienced paddlers and the best in the world.”

Florisson said the selection into the team is a nice reminder that his training and commitment is paying off. 

“It gives me a lot of confidence heading into this year. I’m excited to take this opportunity and perform at the highest level in Banja Luka,” he said. 

The team has doubled in size from last year’s representation at the ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Championships with Janiszewski keeping his spot in the team from last year. 

Paddle Australia.

2026 Australian Canoe Wildwater Team

Men’s K1

Matt Dalziel – Derwent Canoe Club, TAS

Hunter Florisson – Ascot Kayak Club, WA

Harry Langley – Ascot Kayak Club, WA

Men’s C1

Robert Janiszewski – INCC Yarra Paddlers, VIC

Simon Thorpe winner of the Monday evening race.

Chris Hollier winner of the Wavehopper Monday evening race.

Marie Andersson first female at the Monday evening race.

Mandurah Canals Race

Doug was taking a break and watching the rugby at Optus Stadium so he asked me to fill his spot at the race. He had organised everything so all I had to do was to turn up with all the gear and be the compare for the day. To make sure I got a good parking spot I was up at 5.00am for the trip to Mandurah. 

With all the volunteers knowing what to do the race was away on time starting with the early SUP division going well ahead of the rest. 

The SUPs take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Results Here:-

2026 Mandurah Canals | Race results | Webscorer

Div 4 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

This year I was racing a ski instead of a SUP. Robin Jacob wanted to beat me so I had to allow that to happen. We have been trying to beat each other for a few years with me usually coming off the best, but early this year he beat me in a 8 km race so I felt the tide was turning. A following 10 km race luck was on my side and I beat him, so today was the decider.

So as we waited on the start line I could see that most of my group were faster than me, but would Robin be? Within 20 metres of leaving the start line I was trailing behind, but Robin was up with the faster crowd. My heart sank as Chris Watson who was just in front of me took off with no regard for my well being. 

I was now in a fragile state, it was just me and only me at the back as we headed towards the river channel. Then a few dolphins made an appearance which cheered me up a little and as someone shouted my name from the bank one dolphin dived straight under my ski. I thought that must have been a reward for coming last!

As we moved across the channel my group of paddlers started to break up and I could see Robin was now off the lead pack. It made me happier but it didn’t help me that much because he was so far in front I would never catch him unless something drastic happened.

Div 3 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Wait for me guys.

Photo Peter Martin.

It wasn’t long before paddlers in the other divisions behind started passing me but they didn’t help me go any faster because they were all too fast for me to washride them. Robin, who was at least 200 metres ahead was slowly extending his lead. I did however think I was catching him at one stage, but I must have been dreaming as when I left the canals and entered the estuary channel I could see he was a long way ahead. What was I going to say at the end of the race - It looked as if I needed to make up a good excuse for being so far behind. 

About six Mandurah paddlers were postioned at important detours along the route to make sure we didn't get lost, but it didn’t stop 2 paddlers in my division take a wrong turn and past me a little later. They still managed to get 1st and 3rd places in div 3, so I think they were really needed to be in div 2.

Doubles take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Div 1 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

As we headed towards a turn buoy at the bottom of a canal which indicated that we were headed home, I met Robin who appeared to have extended his lead. I could imagine him thinking there is no way that Bolland was going to catch up now, because that’s what I would be thinking. 

When I turned around the buoy Zac Bailey past me and although I didn’t have the speed to washride him I certainly put some extra pressure on to try and keep him close. 

As I came to the estuary again I could see Robin in the distance having a little trouble with some waves that were created by a power boat. It was just the boost I needed to lift my game and try to get across the estuary as quick as possible. By the time I got to the canal again I was a little closer to him. I thought yippee I’m catching, but he was still a long way ahead.

As I past John Breed at the beginning of the canal, the double of Sharon and Kate slipped by. I couldn’t believe my luck as I was able to get on their wash and keep up quite comfortably. Robin started to get closer and closer and eventually about 500-600 metres from the last estuary crossing we caught up with him. To be fair I couldn’t continue to washride the double from here so I dropped off it and paddled beside Robin. 

When we were paddling alongside each other I felt that I could go faster so I decided to take off and tried to catch Sharon and Kate again. I caught them, but we came to the estuary crossing and split up. By now I was several metres ahead of Robin and I just couldn’t believe my luck. How did I manage to catch him!! As long I didn’t falter on the crossing, which had several power boats churning up the water, I had a good chance of beating him.

When I entered the canals again with 1.2 kms to go to the finish line I was a happy chappy as after a glimpse or two over my shoulder I couldn’t see Robin directly behind me, but there was no way I was going to slow down and I didn’t so I managed to beat him by 48 seconds. 

The winner - Josh Kippin.

Photo Peter Martin.

Some of the volunteers.

Photo Peter Martin.

Jaime Roberts, Selma Alibegovic & Michael Liddle. 

As I was timing the PRG group race on Tuesday I think Jamie shouted out that if I put photos of them in my newsletter she would buy me a coffee and cake.

Jaime Roberts, Selma Alibegovic, Michael Liddle & Sam Lourey.

Samantha raced at the 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. 

7th | WK1 1000m A Final

9th | WK4 500m A Final

Samantha was Paddle WA 2022 Youth Paddler of the Year.
Samantha has had an impressive year, collecting the following at the National Sprint Canoe Competition hosted in Adelaide:
Gold:
U/18 WK2 500m
U/18 WK2 200m
U/18 WK1 1000m
Silver:
U/18 WK4 500m
U/18 WK4 500m State Vs. State
Bronze:
U/18 WK1 500m

I hope to get more recent results for next week.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1987

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4 cont.....

For the next 2 days we followed Grey’s route from the river and arrived at the 26th March Cave, the first important cave that Grey had found.

Grey described the cave……..

There appeared to be a natural hollow in the sandstone rocks; its floor elevated about five feet from the ground and numerous flat broken pieces of the same rock, which were scattered about, looked at a distance like steps leading up to the cave, which was thirty five feet wide at the entrance and sixteen feet deep; but beyond this several small branches ran further back. Its height in front was rather more than eight feet, the roof being formed by a solid slab of sandstone about nine feet thick.

Grey had discovered Aboriginal art never before seen by white man. Inside the cave Wandjina figures dominated the ceiling with other paintings, including a native carrying a kangaroo, further inside. We believe that we were probably only the third party to see the paintings.

We found the 26th March cave that Grey first decovered.

Wandjina figures dominated the ceiling.

Resting in the cave.

Leaving the tick infested cave we forged on for 2 more days to reach our ultimate goal the 29th March Cave. Along our route a gorge with pools, small cascades and a four metre waterfall, flanked on the left side by a vertical cliff that stood in our path. With ribs protruding, I posed for a photo in front of the picturesque falls. The days on half rations and hard physical exercise had eaten away the little fat I once had. Our shirts were wet with sweat so we took them off to dry them on the hot rocks.

A food pack was broken open and our rations of nuts and dried fruit were placed on our stone table. We counted them to make sure our measly lunch was equal. The one muesli bar was broken in half and measured. We sat on the rock admiring the scenery, eating each nut and dried fruit individually, savouring their excellent taste.

We forged on criss crossing the now flatter plateau and descending into another small stream where two dingoes played close to the creek. We crept up and watched.

Later we moved on and crossed the headwaters of the Glenelg River to find Greys 29th March Cave which contained a controversial mysterious figure. This sight had only been visited by 3 other groups.

From Greys Diary…..

The principle painting is a figure of a man, ten feet six inches in length, clothed from the chin downwards in a red garnet which reached to the wrists and ankles; beyond this red dress the feet and hands protruded, were badly executed……….

The face and head of the figure were enveloped in a succession of circular bandages or rollers, or what appeared to be painted to represent such…

Only a few kilometres south of the cave Grey was forced to retrace his steps. The Elizabeth Range became so rugged and precipitous that Grey could no longer move forward and with food running low he decided to return to Hanover Bay.

When we reached Greys turning point on the 10th April 1987 we celebrated Kens 41st birthday with some staminade and dried fruits. With lighter packs and extra enthusiasm our daily walking mileage increased. Greys meandering return journey took us through fertile country of the Glenelg River and close to the large expanse of mangroves and inlets of the Prince Regent River and then south west again to Mount Lyell. Our march continued north-westerly passing Mt Stewart, Mt Trevor and we walked parallel with the McDonald Range until our route turned north and back over the sandstone ranges towards Lushington Valley.

As a cyclone moved along the coast rain developed adding more frustration to our demanding walk. As the rain fell in bucket loads our once overheated bodies were now cold and shivering and longing for the hot days to return. Dry gullies suddenly turned into rivers. It was hard to believe the change. We had to be careful when crossing creeks.

Not far from Lushington Valley we moved through extremely difficult terrain and entered a chilly gully. Just before dark we reached a junction of 2 streams but the ground wasn’t suitable to afford a campsite. We were soaking, our boots were waterlogged and my trousers were chaffing around the belt. At last as the light faded, a small flat spot was found and boulders and spinifex removed to form our bed. As we feasted on normal rations for the first time in 18 days, the moon reflected on the rim of the gorge and its steep sides. How did Grey get his ponies through this country?

In the morning our clothes were still wet, our boots still sopping and our trousers soaked up the wet vegetation. It was early so the sun hadn’t penetrated the depths of the gully. Pandanas palms and other vegetation blocked our way. Vines caught on our packs leaving us in a tangled mess. Our hands and clothes were lacerated by the spiky palms. It wasn't fun.

Our furthest point of our walk.

Difficult walking terrain.

After collecting the food packs that we had left behind we struggled through the undergrowth of the upper reaches of Walkers Valley and reached Greys first campsite making us the first people to retrace Greys 1838 expedition. (I decided to retrace Grey's journey 149 years after his journey as I knew someone would do it on the 150th and they did, but that party didn't retrace the entire journey like we did.) 

We felt great but there was no time for rejoicing, we had to get moving as the tide was receding leaving rocks wet and slippery. Ken, who had been the target of more green ants earlier in the day, slipped and lacerated his knee on the razor sharp oysters. As the tide streamed out, our kayaks were continually left high and dry, we dragged them with vigour and after winning the race against the falling tide we paddled along a thirty metre pool that became blocked by sandstone boulders. We hadn’t beaten the tide as beyond the boulders the water was 300 metres away, leaving us with the formidable task of dragging our kayaks further over the mud and oyster laden boulders that were once covered by the water.

With the tide out we had a lot of portaging to do to get to open water.

Nothing seemed to be in our favour, the hours of portaging over the trying conditions left us face to face with a crocodile that blocked our route. In no mood to be intimidated we paddled straight over it and headed towards a beach north east of Walkers Valley entrance. It was the same beach and the same date, but 149 years later that Grey finished his expedition on April 15th and with an excess of food we celebrated our success with triple rations.

From Grey’s Diary, April 15th 1838..

…On emerging from the mangroves upon the beach, we saw painted upon the sandstone cliffs, in very large letters – “Beagle Observatory, letters S.E. 52 paces.”

No one who has not been similarly situated can at all compare the thrill which went through me when these letters first met when my eye; even had any thing happened to the schooner, friends were upon the coast, and I knew that Captain Wickham, who has passed a great portion of his life in adventures of this kind, would leave nothing undone which was in his power to ensure our safety.

We now hurried across the beach, an on gaining the highest part of it, saw the little schooner riding safely at anchor….

… On reaching the vessel, we learnt that the mate was gone to the Beagle, now lying in Port George IV, but expected to sail this very day.

It was at 4.00am the following day Ken had an 8 foot snake slither up his leg. When we were able to identify it as a giant non-venomous python, Ken could sigh with relief and leave the shores with fond memories of Grey’s and our epic overland expedition.

If you want to read more about Grey you can go here:- 
The photos in the article below are not of the same area.

Kimberley and George Grey | Article for seniors - Odyssey Traveller

We were on the same beach, on the same date, that Grey finished his expedition, but it was 149 years later.

Nothing would have changed.

At 4.00am Ken stepped down from a flat rock ledge that he had camped on and a 8 foot snake slither up his leg. 

When it came out of hiding from under the ledge at first light we were able to identify it as a giant non-venomous python.

Birds Along The Way

The dolphins were back at Ascot again this week.

3 dolphins head towards the city.

Musk Duck.

White Faced Heron with an unusual catch.

Osprey

Common Sandpiper

NEW SOUTH WALES SEA KAYAK CLUB

ROCK ‘n Roll 

WEEKEND ’26  

13, 14, 15 March 2026

We in the NSW Sea Kayak Club are pleased to bringing our annual Rock ‘n Roll Weekend for 2026 to the Sapphire Coast of NSW (Eden) on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th March! This is our 34^th annual event AND the first time we’ve held our RnR event on the Sapphire Coast! The event was started solely to teach Eskimo rolling (hence the name!), an important self rescue skill in sea kayaking! It long ago morphed into our premier annual event!

The event moves around the NSW coast each year. This extended weekend attracts sea kayakers from all over Australia and New Zealand to participate in a full program of day trip, training, presentations and social activities. We expect around 120 paddlers plus partners to attend this year. 

Our after dinner guest speaker this year is New Zealander Paul Caffyn, the first person to kayak around the Australian mainland. Paul is a giant among sea kayakers, having circumnavigated all the islands of New Zealand, Japan, UK and the entire coast of Alaska! We are also pleased to announce that WA paddler Sandy Robson will be attending. About 10 years ago, Sandy retraced Oscar Speck’s 2^nd World War journey, paddling her kayak solo from Germany to Australia!

What you can do in a “well found” sea kayak is just amazing!

Our base for the weekend will be a large marquee at the Eden Discovery Park at Boydtown which will give us easy access onto the bay and the ocean! Most on- water activities will take place in the mornings and early afternoons. Afternoons and evenings are taken up with marquee presentations, skills sessions and socializing.

All sea kayakers are welcome if they have registered with NSWSKC. People interested in sea kayaking are most welcome to come along for a chat, Saturday and Sunday afternoons probably being the best time.

David Winkworth

RnR Co-ordinator

NSW Sea Kayak Club

Dave giving a lecture.

What a crowd.

ASCOT PADDLE PASSPORT

Term 1 - Register Now!

Our popular beginner‑friendly junior kayaking program is returning this Term 1, and we’re excited to invite families to join the official waitlist while we finalise instructor availability.

If your young adventurer (ages 8–16) enjoys the outdoors, wants to build water confidence, or is keen to try something new, the Ascot Paddle Passport is the perfect introduction to kayaking.
No prior experience is needed — we provide all equipment and a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Program Snapshot

• 4‑week program — $60 (GST incl.)
• Dates:  21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 March, 14 March
• Time: 8:30–9:30am (please arrive 15 minutes early)
• Location: Ascot Kayak Club, Garvey Park

Throughout the program, kids will learn basic paddling skills through games, exploration and movement — the ideal mix of fun, learning, and adventure on the water.