Canoeing WA Annual Report

Transcription

1 Canoeing WA Annual Report Canoeing WA is affiliated to: Australian Canoeing, WA Olympic Council, and Western Australian Sports Federation CONTENTS Corporate Directory Aims and Objectives President s Report Executive Officer Report Sports Development Report Disciplines Reports Financial Report Canoeing Western Australia (Inc.) PO Box 57, Claremont. WA 6910 Suite 4, Sports Lotteries House, Stephenson Ave, Mt Claremont. WA 6010 Tel: (08) Fax: (08) canoe@canoewa.asn.au Website:

2 Corporate Directory Office Bearers of the Association President Board Member Board Member Board Member Non-interested Director Board Member Board Member Board Member Staff Executive Officer Sports Development Officers Administration Officer Affiliated Clubs Ascot Kayak Club Canning River Canoe Club Indian Ocean Paddlers Perth Canoe Polo Club South West Canoe Club Life Members Benny Bennion Bill Davis Bill Hine Hetty Snowball Robyn Khorshid Tony Bowman Grant Pepper Peter Martin Neville Hine Jeremy Mulcahy Rosalie Evans Darryl Long Vanessa Simpson Ashley Nesbit Jesse Phillips Lara Taylor Cate Jackson Bayswater Paddlesports Club Champion Lakes Boating Club Mandurah Paddling Club Sea Kayak WA Swan Canoe Club Bevan Dashwood Peter Dear Greg Kaeding Les Taylor Terry Bolland Partners In working to achieve its aims over the past year, Canoeing WA has worked with a number of agencies. The partnerships that have been forged have been very successful, and Canoeing WA would like to thank: Healthway Department of Sport and Recreation Northam s Avon Descent Association The WA Institute of Sport Swan River Trust Waters & Rivers Commission Royal Life Saving Society WA Aquatic Council Department of Environment & Conservation Finn Kayaks Spirit Paddle Sports Heart Foundation WA Sports Federation City of Belmont Surf Life Saving WA Australian Canoeing State Boating Council Water Corporation City of Bayswater Australian Sports Commission Canoeing Down Under Main Peak Paddle Sports Be Active, Go Paddling 2

3 Vision Be Active Go Paddling Aims and Objectives Mission Canoeing WA is the recognised State Sporting Association responsible for the management, coordination, development and promotion of all canoeing and paddle sports and recreations in Western Australia. It represents the interests of its Affiliates and their Members to Local, State, and Federal Governments, to the public and to the national canoeing body, Australian Canoeing, of which Canoeing WA as a State Association Member, a component stakeholder. Corporate Values Canoeing WA is committed to the provision of a high level of participation, safety and opportunity in Canoeing throughout Western Australia. The Association aims to provide all Members with fair competition, access to high standard facilities, and equity in at all levels. Objectives to promote and encourage canoeing within the Affiliated Club structure; to unite and co-ordinate the activities of Members and their guests with regard to competitive events, and to foster participation by Members in canoeing events at championships and regattas; to act on behalf of Members in their relationship with Australian Canoeing (Inc.), and other organisations; to encourage and maintain high standards of canoeing and canoes, and to promote safe boating practices relating to canoeing; to encourage and foster a positive attitude towards the conservation of flora and fauna, and the preservation of our natural waterways; to encourage and develop a good social relationship between Affiliated Clubs and other groups; to raise funds, own and dispose of real and personal property and expend monies for any purpose that, directly or indirectly, may be associated with the attainment of any or all of the Objects of the Association; to make, develop, and issue rules and regulations for the building and classification of canoes and kayaks used in controlled events and competitions organised by the Association; to arrange state championships, and the selection of state teams and training squads for all disciplines; to make, develop, issue and amend rules and regulations regarding the age and sex classifications to be used in events and competitions which are controlled by the Association; To encourage and endeavour to make sure that the current Competition Rules of the Association, Australian Canoeing (Inc.), and the International Canoe Federation are complied with and observed. Be Active, Go Paddling 3

4 Presidents Report CWA president hard at work at local surf life saving carnival This year ended up being a little more challenging than anticipated. In addition to adapting to constant change within the organisation I relocated to Queensland. Due to marvels of modern technology I continued in the role as President, managing the Association in consultation with the board and staff. The past year has seen participation growth in all disciplines in Western Australia. The state association membership now stands at Moving to Queensland has reminded me of how far in front of the other states WA is in terms of embracing all paddle craft and increasing participation numbers. Each of the discipline reports will identify the numbers they are getting at all of the events and a few will even represent me having a try (although somewhat unsuccessfully) at some of the down river races without a rudder. Ocean paddling is developing as a genuine discipline incorporating a wide variety of craft. There has also been significant infrastructure developed at Champion Lakes and a solid commitment from government towards the development of a White Water Park. The disciplines continue to grow the sport in the state at a phenomenal rate with increasing participation in marathon series, ocean series and Margie Jeffries campaign for hosting the 2012 National Slalom Championships in addition to two national championships being conducted in the state. We have also seen the establishment of National Talent Identification Programs for sprint and slalom and continued growth and participation in the state run talent identification programs. The paddle academy have increased bookings for paddle sessions and established education courses. There has also been many partnerships developed with various government agencies and non-government organisations resulting in the establishment of several paddle trail maps, increased funding for the office and the development of infrastructure for clubs and the association. This past season has seen a change in development officer twice although the stalwarts of Cate and Ash continue to work hard for the association. The paddle academy continues to grow with more regular instructor s available leading to approximately 800 students participating in over 200 paddle academy activities. The paddle academy would struggle to continue without the great support from sponsors including Finn Kayaks, Canoeing Down Under, Mainpeak Paddlesports and Spirit Surfcraft who provide craft and equipment to ensure we continue to provide a safe introduction to canoeing. Over the next season there will be greater focus on providing links to the clubs and increasing membership. The major CWA events continue to have great support from the paddling community with local retailers and manufacturers continuing their support in providing great prizes at these events. The Bay to Beach had 241 competitors, the Summer Dash in its revised format had 65, the Paddle Challenge event attracted 261 paddlers to launch the Avon Descent while the Junior Avon grew in popularity to include 86 juniors showing the future of our sport. I have developed the Canoeing Western Australia Strategic Plan to be completed within the next month. This document is not set in stone but offers suggestions and guidance on future directions for Canoeing WA. The next year will be interesting with the implementation of the CWA strategic plan and implementing strategies passed down from Australian Canoeing to continue Be Active, Go Paddling 4

5 receiving funding. The Australian Sports Commission has developed a new strategic plan that will require all National Sporting and State Sporting Associations to increase participation in sport. I have also been sitting on the national sport for all committee where it has become evident that WA continues to be the leader in diversifying canoeing activities to be inclusive of all disciplines and paddlers. The board has offered great support to me in the role of president with each member managing their own areas of expertise including human resources, sport liaison, stakeholder relations, finance, junior development, event management and record keeping. The staff have always been very co-operative in getting tasks completed when requested, but mostly go about business on their own. However in closing it is with regret that I must resign from my position as President of Canoeing Western Australia. I am always available to offer support to anyone taking over the role and wish the Association all the success for the future. Regards, Tony Bowman President Canoeing Western Australia Inc. Be Active, Go Paddling 5

6 Executive Officers Report Executive Officer at work in Dubai Financial During this financial year Canoeing WA (CWA) has made numerous changes in its accounting procedures and software. Jeremy Mulcahy (Board member and accountant) has been an asset to the finances and has helped in many areas trying to simplify accounts and account structure. This restructure continues on a month to month basis. CWA has also continued training for administration staff in MYOB through our bookkeeper, plans for more training in 2010/11 has been budgeted for. We have had support from the disciplines this year with our finance systems put in place by our booker keeper, 99% of the time it seems to work very well. It is a work in progress and we are happy to work with members to improve our systems all the time. Overall CWA is in good shape with a balance sheet of $125,157 and a net profit for of $2,731. Income was $392,447 which included money from the white water park feasibility and business case. Expenses of $389,716 which included monies expended to the white water park. Funding/Projects The last financial year saw many challenges for CWA and a lot of projects passing through the CWA books. These included; Mapping Projects run by Jerry Alderson on the upper Blackwood, the Warren Strategic Alliance. Canoe Polo Championships run by the Canoe Polo discipline with a huge amount of work put in by PCPC and the Canoe Polo Discipline. Talent Identification through our schools project, thanks to our coaches for 09/10 Jerry Alderson and Amanda Simper. NTID rolled out in WA with Coaches Rob and Julie Jenkinson in 09/10 with great success and motivation. Although CWA receives no funding here we feel it is an important project, CWA is a key partner and was the driving force behind its start up. Access to Guildford Grammar School outdoor recreation area in the Avon Valley, giving us the ability to run camps and races out of that area. Access to the Lower Murray via the Wyllie Groups farm property CWA also continues its work with Champion Lakes running TID and many other programs out at the Lake. CWA will be running new programs in 2010 and getting into local schools to help increase CWA membership. Asset register was updated in 2010, which was a difficult process trying to determine CWA assets and where a lot of these assets were housed. All items were documented, valued, photographed, labelled and then put into the current assets list or expended assets list. Be Active, Go Paddling 6

7 CWA has also been moving all its gear into a new compound being built next to Sports Lotteries House, after the new extension at Royal Life Saving left us without a home. Thanks to many members for helping with their time to move gear and get things done at a cheaper rate. Work continues to get this completed. CWA also completed its Heathway s obligations for Sports Development and the Paddle Academy Project. We negotiated a new contract for the next 2 years with a 25% increase, this increase was largely due to the hard work done by the team in the office to justify our case to run new projects. Membership CWA Membership numbers for where down on 2010 by nearly 400; Senior 575 Junior 225 Pensioner 52 WA Club Event Members 330 CWA again struggled with some of the clubs creating their own membership categories for recreational members. In 10/11 CWA will again promote its recreation category in the hope the clubs and the membership choose to use this. CWA has also done the same thing for more country clubs to encourage membership growth. CWA with the new membership system will also be able to monitor at events wether competitors are members or not in the hope to crackdown on people abusing the current systems. Canoeing WA has recently had talks with Mandurah Outriggers WA and they have become a part of the association in the upcoming season. In 10/11 CWA will have the online membership which is 90% complete, AC are having teething problems mainly from the banking side in the way funds get split between Club, Association and Australian Canoeing. You will have seen the website going through many changes as AC and Bellevue IT get ready. Paddle Academy (PA) Paddle Academy has had a great year with growth close to 35% in revenue. I attribute most of the growth to the fact we have started running 2 trailers of boats giving us the ability to run around 20% more sessions then last year. Our main problem at the moment is finding enough instructors. Thanks must go to Finn Kayaks for their help with all our new gear. Jerry Alderson continues to be the backstay of the PA instructors along with John Di Nucci. In 09/10 we also started getting a lot of support and help from Guy Power, Guy brings a new level of professionalism and motivated approach to many aspects of Canoeing in WA. We look forward to further developing PA with Guys help. The Paddle Academy has recently done a lot of white water paddling which the kids seem to really enjoy, although water has been a little scarce in We have also struck up relationships with Guildford Grammar School and now have access to the camps area in the hills at Harts Farm. In 2010/11 The Be Active Paddle Academy will hopefully branch out into running summer sessions at Perth s local beaches. At the moment we are talking to suppliers about the provision of suitable boats. New staff in the Paddle Academy include Jenny Mickle on quite a regular basis, Jenny will also be doing her Level 1 Flat Water Instructors certificate soon which will help spread the PA load. Fill personal, Reece Baker and Daniel Bowker continue to help on the odd occasion. Be Active, Go Paddling 7

8 CWA Staff saw a lot of changes with CWA staff in the Sports Development side, Jesse Phillips was around as a backup, but his Australian Team and paddling successes have made it hard for him to be in the office for more than 10 hours per week, Jesse s main jobs have been in the TID and Events side. Kylie Broad finished up in February 2010 to take up a position as a mortgage broker and she was replaced by Sarah Aulin. Sarah came to us with a lot of experience but she soon moved onto a club development role within a local council. CWA at this point had a look at the Sports Development internally and an Audit was done. A contract position was offered to Lara Taylor who to date has done an excellent job with little training. The position will be advertised again end of October 2010 in the hope to find someone to take on the position from end of January As outlined above an internal audit was completed within the office, interviews of all staff where conducted by board members Rosalie Evans and Grant Pepper. To try and get a picture of where things could be improved within the office. Outcomes of this audit resulted in the office looking at and documenting all processes and procedures, this process will be completed by end of November. It has also been accepted by the board that more training for staff will be accessed. We thank all the staff and the Canoeing WA Board for their contribution in the past year and look forward to 2010/11 Canoeing WA Events The Main Peak Bay to Beach 09 was the first event for 2009/10; again it was hugely successful with about 241 entries pre race plus late entries on the day. It proved a hard race from a water safety point of view as I was out their helping. The wind came up on the day and proved not too be much help until you rounded the Nth Head at Fremantle. Finish Bay to Beach 2009 harbor A large obstacle paddle out of the In February the Summer Dash decided to test the water at Claisebrook Inlet East Perth to display the new Olympic Discipline of 200m racing. Although numbers where small at around 65 all participants raved about how much fun they had, in 2011 the Summer Dash will follow the same format but with 2 races. Be Active, Go Paddling 8

9 Sprint format 200m, East Perth Claisebrook Inlet starter Ramon Andersson the In May Canoeing WA held the Finn Kayaks Paddle Challenge the event was very successful in numbers with over 261 competitors starting the event. Unfortunately the event was over shadowed by the death of Joe Van der Merwe, this proved to be a difficult time for all involved including myself. Canoeing WA Staff and Board Members spent time with the family helping where possible and attending the funeral. In 2011 we plan to have the Joe Van der Merwe Memorial trophy for the fastest over 50 in the Paddle Challenge. RIP Joe. The last event in the 2009/10 season was the Finn Kayaks Avon Junior Challenge. The event grew to 86 Junior paddlers this year. It was a very successful day and we look forward to further developing in Ready GO Prize giving Junior Avon Be Active, Go Paddling 9

10 Facilities In 2009/10 CWA has worked on and helped where possible on the SCC building. We have also been involved with the development in Mandurah which has been put off at this point. Recently work as been done with CRCC although CWA has not had much involvement. CWA is happy to help should the Clubs need support in these areas. The Strategic Plan has identified that facility/buildings on the water front is a major item to be addressed by CWA, and would hope it will be high on the board s agenda to help develop this. Going into the future, having access to land on the river or ocean will be very important to the growth of paddling in Western Australia. Concluding Canoeing Western Australia is in a good position to keep moving, we have the right team and the enthusiasm to make things happen over the next year...it is a challenge we look forward to. Ash Nesbit Executive Officer Be Active, Go Paddling 10

11 Sports Development Paddle Academy The Be Active Paddle Academy has grown from last year with an increase in participants and sessions, proving that the Be Active Paddle Academy is one of the most accessible and active learn to paddle unit of its kind. The Be Active Paddle Academy has introduced camps to the paddle sessions on offer. These camps range from 3 hour half-day Trips to 3 days of travelling the river. Last year there were 2 half day trips to this year with 2 half day trips and 4 camps. The Be Active Paddle Academy is currently servicing 18 schools and 6 clubs/organisations, this is down from last year but there is a 20% growth in sessions and a 13% growth in participants showing that the schools and organisations are putting more people into the academy and the participants are getting greater exposure to paddling with more time on the water. We are looking to align the Be Active Paddle Academy with the Schools Curriculum so that it is easier for the teachers and schools to see the benefits in participating in the academy. Paddle Academy Fleet Paddle Academy Fun The Be Active Paddle Academy currently operates with a fleet of 45 Kayaks, 20 Corsicas and 25 Finnatics along with 10 canoe polo bats. We purchased a new trailer to carry the Finnatics this year which comfortably carries the 25 boats. Finn has provided us with new paddles and PFD s as well as 25 new boats this year, which has been a huge help to our Paddle Academy program. The Be Active Paddle Academy would not run without the help from our sponsors; Healthway, Spirit Paddle Sports, Finn Kayaks, Mainpeak and Canoeing Down Under. We are looking into branching out within the academy, to ocean paddling, at the moment we are sourcing boats and establishing whether this is a feasible venture as we have had a few enquiries about Be Active Paddle Academy sessions on the ocean. A huge thank you to all instructors who worked with the Paddle Academy in 09/10, the challenge of coordinating instructors, equipment and schools has been made a lot easier by your continued support and enthusiasm. Marketing & Promotion CWA Website The Canoeing WA website has been a major marketing and communication tool for canoeing yet again with a 4% increase in hits ( more hits than last year). Australian Canoeing has been improving the website continually over the past year and promise to keep working towards making the website accessible and user friendly. The Canoeing WA website has been regularly updated with information thanks to the efforts of the clubs and disciplines sending in information for events and their results. Australian Canoeing has been working tirelessly to setup the online memberships and they believe that they will be ready within the next 12 months. NTID NTID has been running for the past 12 months and has experienced a solid progression of athletes through the sprint paddling system. They have 18 athletes aged between 15 to 23 who have come from varying backgrounds including Rowing, Gymnastics and most predominantly surf life saving and kayaking. Throughout the year their times have been monitored in monthly time trials and the many races that they have been a part of. All of the athletes have shown great improvements since being accepted in to the squad. Recently there was another testing day where 2 more athletes were accepted into the program. NTID have also recently purchased 12 new Kayak Centre K1s and 2 new Epic K2s for their athletes to use. Be Active, Go Paddling 11

12 The NTID athletes featured strongly at the state and national titles, bringing home a bag of medals. Among their success athlete Shannon Reynolds has been selected in to the Olympic Hopefuls team. Shannon is currently away racing in Piestany, Slovakia. At the end of the 2009/10 sprint season 2 athletes have progressed into the WAIS program. Through Robbie and Julie Jenkinson s tireless efforts, these athletes have gone from talented people into sprint kayaking athletes. I m sure all of the athletes and their families will agree with Canoeing WA in saying thank you for their continuing efforts in promoting, encouraging and nurturing kayaking in WA. Talent Identification Program (Sprint Kayak) The Talent Identification Program (TID) has been running since 2007, through funding received from the Department of Sport and Recreation. The 2009/2010 TID program at Bayswater started with 12 in total, 10 girls and 2 boys. Unfortunately in the first 3 months, 4 girls left the program and then a further 3 athletes left the program before State Championships, the remaining 5 all completed at States Championships. In the Champion Lakes TID squad there were 6 athletes that started and only 1 pulled out within the first month. Collectively the TID squad took home 17 medals at states and 10 medals at nationals. In April some of the athletes tried out for the NTID squad with 2 being successful. Since the nationals the squads have enjoyed participating in the long distance races over the winter season, including the Canning Classic, Rod Fry Race, Paddle Challenge, John Simms Race, Marathon States and Junior Avon. Recently there has been another testing day for Bayswater where 100 students were selected from testing data returned by schools north of the river. We have now selected 12 from those who attended the 2 nd testing day and they will be starting in the next fortnight. The Champion Lakes TID Squad second selection has been postponed due to a new approach we are trialling which is more interest based. We are going to a number of the schools south of the river and speaking to them about paddling and the TID squad. We have noticed that a lot of the students we are targeting have very little knowledge of paddling by going out to the schools we are introducing them to the sport. This is happening at the moment with their testing day coming up in early October. The TID program wouldn t have run so smoothly this year if it wasn t for Jerry and Amanda who have put a huge amount of time and effort into these athletes. Events Bay 2 Beach The 2009 Mainpeak Paddlesports Bay 2 Beach presented by Be Active was a very successful event with 241 competitors paddling on the day which is a 7% increase from the previous year. Congratulations to Brendan Sarson and Ruth Highman for taking out the mens and womens divisions respectively on the day. Huge thanks go to all volunteers and officials on the day, with special thanks to event sponsors; Mainpeak and Healthway! Summer Dash The 2010 Summer Dash presented by Be Active was held at Claisebrook, although numbers were down from last year, the atmosphere was electric. 54 competitors took part and all involved agreed that it was great racing and viewing. Next years race is likely to become a 2 part series with a midweek race before the Doctor and a weekend race later to rap up the series. The midweek race will encourage some of our interstate and international competitors to get involved which will be great for WA s paddling scene. This years winners were Steve Bird and Jenni Bateman. Thankyou to the people who made the event happen; the volunteers and the sponsors Healthway, Finn Kayaks, City of Perth and The Royal on the Waterfront. Paddle Challenge Be Active, Go Paddling 12

13 The 2010 Paddle Challenge saw a 9% increase in entrants, with Brendan Rice and Jenni Bateman taking out the event. Although the event was shadowed by the death of Joe Van der Merwe, it did highlight that the paddling fraternity will band together to help each other out in a time of need. This is something that every canoeing member should be very proud of. Joe s death took its toll on all involved and Canoeing WA has decided to create a Joe Van der Merwe Memorial Trophy as of next year for the fastest over 50 in the Paddle Challenge. May Joe rest in peace. Paddle Challenge ran smoothly thanks to volunteers, paddlers and sponsors; Finn Kayaks, Mainpeak Paddle Sports, Canoeing Down Under, Carbo Shotz, Jade Projects Australia and Healthway. Avon Junior Challenge This year s Be Active Avon Junior Paddle Challenge was a great success with a total of 86 competitors taking part showing increase in numbers even with the race being extended to a 16km race from the Middle Swan Bridge. The event was won by Liam Quick and Shannon Reynolds, with the quickest team being the under 15 team Mazenod plus One. A huge thank you goes to Jerry Alderson who managed the event on the day, as well as all the volunteers and support paddlers as well as the sponsors of the event Healthway, Finn Kayaks, and Canoeing Down Under. Avon Junior Challenge Racing Discipline Meeting Canoeing WA has established a Discipline Committee that has met during the past 12 months to investigate what the disciplines need and want to happen within their own areas and in canoeing in general. The next meeting is scheduled for around Christmas time to update everyone on how they are going. The main focus of these meetings is to help the disciplines to expand, improve and nurture paddling with the help from Canoeing WA. Lara Taylor Sports Development Officer Be Active, Go Paddling 13

14 Discipline Reports Canoe Polo Discipline Report 2010 Canoe Polo Fun The 2009/2010 year has been exceptionally busy for the canoe polo community. Perth Canoe Polo Club continued to operate a weekly competition at Beattie Perk (winter) and Scotch College (summer) with approximately 40 people participating, with representatives from most of WA's canoeing clubs. In October, Perth Canoe Polo Club fielded a team in the 2009 World Masters in Sydney, which saw some of the best "old" paddlers competing against players from all over the world. It was a fantastic event with many new friendships made and old friendships rekindled. Over easter (April 2-5) Perth Canoe Polo Club, Canoeing WA and Champion Lakes Regatta Centre hosted the 2010 Australian Canoe Polo Championships. As the premier event on the Australian Canoe Polo calendar, the best players from around Australia converged on Perth for 3 days of fantastic games. As the final selection event for the Australian teams to compete in the 2010 World Championships, the event held extra significance for participants. Western Australia was well represented with teams in all categories and 3 local players making Australian teams. Finally, in August, Perth Canoe Polo Club hosted the annual Murray River White Water Festival. The event saw approximately 25 paddlers scrabble, walk and occasionally paddle down the Lower Murray. It was a fantastic event with a great after party and strong community spirit prevalent despite the lack of water. Congratulations to the organising committee for another great event. See you all next year Australian Canoe Polo Championships Champion Lakes was witness to some fast and furious games, culminating in the Open Mens grand final which started with a large collision and jettisoned ball and ended with a magnificent power goal in extra time. South Australia continued its dominance of the sport at a national level, winning 4 of the 5 divisions contested. All competitors, officials and spectators hailed the event a success and were impressed with the venue. Results: Open Women 1. South Australia 1 1. South Australia 2. NSW 2. Western Australia 3. Victoria 1 4. South Australia 2 Veterans (35+) 5. Western Australia 1 1. Western Australia 1 6. Victoria 2 2. Draft (mixed team) 7. Western Australia 2 3. Western Australia 2 Under 21 Masters (45+) 1. South Australia 1 1. South Australia 2. South Australia 2 2. Western Australia 3. Western Australia Be Active, Go Paddling 14

15 School Championship 1. Champion Lakes Boating Club 2. Mandurah Paddle Club The championships were also the final selection event for the Australian Teams to compete in Milan, Italy. Western Australia was well represented in the teams with Jeremy Lee being selected for the Under 21 team and Niki Lee and Libby LeCoultre making the Womens team. Congratulations. Each canoe polo team consists of between 5-8 players with 5 on the water per team at any given time (up to 3 substitute players). Games are played in a 35m x 23m field and consist of two 10 minute halves. As the only full contact paddling sport, canoe polo is exciting team sport requiring great paddling, ball handling and tactical skills. Despite a game only lasting 20 minutes, competitors require great strength and endurance to see a game through. Australia has a strong history in canoe polo, dominating the sport from the late 80's till the early naughties. The men s team won the World Championships in 1994, 1996 and While the women s team won the World Championships in 1994 and 1998, and claimed silver in 1996 and Recent success includes a strong showing at the World Games in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei, where the men s team claimed bronze. The competition organisers would like to thank all sponsors and supporters of the event: Australian Canoeing Canoeing Western Australia Inc Perth Canoe Polo Club Healthway Heart Foundation Department of Sport and Recreation Sage Automation Kayaks Plus FGI Mainpeak Paddlesports Champions Lakes Regatta Centre Armadale Redevelopment Authority Scouts Australia Freestyle Annual Report 2009/2010 has been an exceptionally dry year, with little activity in the freestyle/river running community. The standout event is the annual Murray White Water Festival (August 28), which saw approximately 25 participants on the Lower Murray for a day of festivities and paddling fun. Sure, the water was low (0.75m), but a great time was had by all. Everyone contributed to the "Plasticise the Murray" campaign. The only free style action seen on the river was Stuart Midgley getting stuck (again) in Andy's drop and having to be pulled out, Hewy Canoe trying to surf a wave standing up in his C1 (note: this resulted in a beer to be drunk from the wetsuit boot) and many many people getting pinned on rocks. Mike Collister retained the King of the River, even though their was no head-to-head race down the steps. Despite the antics, everyone enjoyed the event and enjoyed the after party (complete with band). The event had a strong community spirit and hardened everyones resolve to get out more on the rivers (when they start flowing). Be Active, Go Paddling 15

16 Sprint Discipline Report 2009/10 Jesse and Steve Sealing their place in the Australian Sprint Team Sprint Kayaking in Western Australia continues to grow with yet again record numbers participating in regattas and culminating in the Nationals held at the International Regatta Centre in Penrith. All regattas held during the season were very well attended with participant numbers growing again from the previous year; we had on average 70+ paddlers. Larger numbers of seniors and guppy paddlers added to the numbers and we had our largest WA travelling team at the Nationals with over 70 people and 35 paddlers. Champion Lakes continued to mature as a tremendous venue for sprint racing, this year courtesy of the Federal development grant saw the addition of the finishing tower and starting gates. Sprint programs that are now running include; WAIS squad Bayswater Ramon Anderson, Australian TID Bayswater Rob & Julie Jenkinson, Junior TID squads; Bayswater Amanda Simper, Champion Lakes Jerry Alderson, Colin Grimshaw Ascot, Plus Guppy Squads Ascot Peter Martin, Mandurah Chris Boocock Champion Lakes Taitiarna Brown The season doesn t happen and is not successful without the many volunteers who assisted, it is impossible to list everyone who helped however I would like to thank a few in particular, Andree Martin, Ramon Anderson, Francis Nolan, Roy Martin, John and Alison Elliott, Peter Martin, Callum MacDougall, Julie and Rob Jenkinson, and Greg Kaeding. The coaches of the athletes who always go far beyond their normal work load, these people have normal day jobs yet find time to commit to development of our athletes, Ramon Anderson, Shaun Rice, Jerry Alderson, Colin Thorpe. Peter Martin and the Guppy support team who have developed the guppy team into a substantial contingent of paddlers. Apologies to those I have not listed your help and support are greatly appreciated throughout the season. Sara Trown President Sprint Technical Committee Be Active, Go Paddling 16

17 Marathon Discipline Report 2009 Marathon racing at its best Marathon did not have yet another excellent season we had a fantastic season in 2009/10 with impressive turnouts for all our races. We started the season with Sun, Splashes, Strawberries, Speed & Smiles! at the Island to Island Race with nearly 100 paddlers, ranging from 8 to 68 years young. We cracked the 100 mark at Moore River (which had water!) and grew to over 130 participants at Claisebrooke. The Canning Ascent is always a tough race, but nearly 70 paddlers turned out, many again favouring paddling with a friend in a double, some starting their Avon training in plastic K2. The numbers were back up close to 100 again for the Pinjarra to Ravenswood race, and back at nearly 130 for the Double Barkers race. Even the last race of the season, the longest at 27 km, the Upper Swan race, had 90 paddlers. Truly some amazing turnouts for the whole season, thank you for being there. We really hope that you enjoyed the racing. The 10km Championship at Champion Lakes was a coolly serious party affair with almost everyone embracing the masquerade theme. Judy Darbyshire and Kevin White were the winners of the Women s and Men s Open K1 categories respectively. The State Marathon Championships were held in June on the Swan River down at Bayswater. Once again the portaging, this time at Garrett Road Bridge, provided excitement for the spectators. The Schools Marathon Championship Trophy went to St Peter s Primary School this year. Thanks to Peter Martin and his band of volunteers for arranging the event. This year our Marathon Award Winners are as follows: The Secretary's Trophy, for top male paddler was shared by the Junior Male Paddler of the Year, Liam Quick, and the top 35+ Male paddler, Kevin White, the Marathon Lady was Jenni Bateman and Junior Lady was once again Bronwyn Martin. Guppy paddling was even more exciting this year due to the introduction of the Guppy K2 races the Marathon committee loaned 6 boats supplied by Kaos Kayaks to local WA clubs. Guppy paddling was just as popular and competitive as last year and we again awarded female and male trophies in two age groups for Guppy Paddler of the Year. They went to Danielle Naughton and Antony Carbone in the under 12 group and Shania Smee and Adam White in the under 10 age group. Ascot Kayak Club was again the top point scoring club winning the Les Rimmer Trophy. Please join me in thanking all the volunteers who helped with the races throughout the season. Their help and support are greatly appreciated we could not run the races without them. I d like special thanks to go to Colin Grimshaw, who has supported me greatly this season. We d also like to thank Ascot Kayak Club who hosted many of our races on the Swan, Champion Lakes for support at the 10km Champs and the guys who catered the events, keeping paddlers and their groupies fed and watered. We d also like to thank the folks that sponsored our season, Terry Bolland from Canoeing Down Under for providing spot prizes at the races and Matt Patricelli from Kaos Kayaks for providing a boat for the end of season draw. To qualify for the draw paddlers raced at a minimum of 6 events including at least one race at the Marathon State Championships. Be Active, Go Paddling 17

18 Next season s racing format will be slightly different. Peter Martin is introducing divisional racing. Please support him and the new Marathon Technical committee in this new race format. The rivers are out there to be paddled and the records are out there to be broken go for it! Everybody, any boat, any age, any speed go paddling! Julie Morgan Chairman Marathon Technical Committee Be Active, Go Paddling 18

19 Ocean Paddling Discipline Report 2009 Brendan Sarson in Dubai 2009/10 Ocean Series racing series has had another successful year with an increase in numbers from the previous racing season. The inaugural winter series was run in conjunction with the Salt Restaurant and the racing season started with a bang. Successful athletes were praised for their effort after each race; the hot chips and cold beer went down at the Salt restaurant. As the summer series began, the local races including the Mandurah classic, The King of the Cape, the Distance Championships, culminating with the Doctor were all hugely successful. The Doctor race, ran in conjunction with IOP and Ocean Paddler, was an unusual event due to weather conditions and produced a huge logistical problem for organisers. The decision to reverse the race from Fremantle to Rottnest was hugely applauded by international, interstate and local paddlers. The competitor numbers and sponsorship from the state government have continued to see an increase in interest in this new and exciting sport. International and interstate paddlers are envious of our conditions stating that WA is possibly the best place in the world to paddle downwind. With the reintroduction of state government funding for the doctor race there can only be an upward trend of world class interest both by competitors and sponsors alike. Congratulations goes to the competitors who have successfully competed interstate and internationally over the past year, they have definitely done Ocean Paddling and Western Australia proud. The success of ocean paddling is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the committee; Dean Beamont, Di Arnott, Kath Lowry, Brendan Downes, Ash Nesbit, Gary Maughan and Stuart Reside. The hard work that the volunteers put in is what makes the races come together and run smoothly, a huge thankyou needs to go to Tania Ashworth, Adam Baker and all those who helped out with the doctor and the Ocean Series this year and look forward to your continued assistance. The club and club events would not be run without the sponsors who give so much to our sport; Spirit Paddle Sports, Salt on the Beach Restaurant and Brainwave Surf skis. With an exciting series of races booked for this summer we are all looking forward to a great year. Yours in Paddling Dean Beament Ocean Paddlers Be Active, Go Paddling 19

20 Slalom Discipline Report Canoe Slalom Nationals A C2 showing off their skills in the water The 2010 Australian Schools Wildwater Championships and 2010 Canoe Slalom National Championships were held at Eildon on the Goulburn River at the beginning of January and the WA team members acquitted themselves with outstanding results. The Schools team was 15 strong with the full team of 22 competing in the Nationals. Robin Jeffery was Head Coach and worked with Greg Kippin, Bevan Dashwood, Josh Kippin and trainee coach Cody Pope who all provided intensive on and off-water coaching and mentoring for novice to elite paddlers. The WA Slalom Team proved a credit to all the coaches who had worked over the past year to bring paddlers of all standards to competition level. Zlatan, Bevan, Greg and Josh did a simply wonderful job. Only Zlatan could not be in Eildon. The team won 23 gold medals, 20 silver and 19 bronzes. National Talent Squad Six WA athletes were selected to the National Talent Squad (NTS): Georgia Rankin, Steven Lowther, Brodie Crawford, Ben Pope, Nic Massey and Seb Ewing. Five went to New Zealand with the Development Squad to compete in the NZ Nationals at Easter. Seb Ewing competed at the Junior Worlds in Foix, France in June, the 2 nd time he has competed as a member of the Australian Junior Team. The NTS selectors made it clear that WA was a force to be reckoned with, indicating that those who were not selected this year were only a fraction off the required levels and would make the grade in the near future with hard work and commitment to training. Subsequently Kieran Simpson, Tim Whitlock and Georgina Collin were invited to join the Shadow NTS and all have attended at least one NTS camp. NTS Camp in WA The NTS held a camp in WA for the first time ever in July with coaches Zlatan Ibrahimbegovic and Lachie Milne, both former Olympians (Zlatan 1972 and Lachie 2004 and 2008). The camp offered specialist coaching in K1, C1 and C2, the first time an NTS camp has offered all classes. This was possible as the WA Slalom Technical Committee has acquired 4 competitive C2 boats and 5 C1s, plus paddles. Paddlers are now purchasing their own C boats and these classes are becoming more and more competitive. Level 1 Whitewater Coaches Course The WA STC offered a 2-day Level 1 Whitewater Coaching Course in October 2009, run by High Performance coach Zlatan Ibrahimbegovic, with 5 young paddlers attending the course to gain the Nationally recognized qualification. The lack of white water this winter has prevented them from completing their assessments on white water. The WA STC has extended the period for completing all requirements as a result. Be Active, Go Paddling 20

21 Qualified Coaches in WA Zlatan Ibrahimbegovic is a Level 3 coach. Bevan Dashwood will re-do his First Aid qualification in October and then submit other requirements for re-accreditation as a coach. White Water Park Warren Crawford spearheaded a campaign to sign up Friends of the White Water Park at Armadale shopping centres prior to the Federal election. With the help of slalom paddlers and families, the Friends grew to over 7,000 in the Armadale area and over 13,000 altogether. A white water park will be essential if slalom in WA is to grow, flourish and contribute to this exciting Olympic discipline. The WA slalom group salutes the exceptional and on-going contribution that Colin Thorpe has made to this project. Winter Racing Season Special thanks go to the slalom race coordinators, Joy and Richard Lowther, for all their efforts in organising and running races this winter. The State Titles was the only race held on white water this year and although the water levels were very low the race was well-supported. Paddler of the Year The WA STC unanimously nominated Kynan Maley for 2010 Paddler of the Year and Sebastian Ewing for Junior Paddler of the Year. Nymboida Nationals 2011 The 2011 Canoe Slalom National Championships and 2010 Australian Schools Wildwater Championships will be held at Nymboida (Goolang Creek), northern NSW in January, the first time the competition is being held there since WA will be fielding a very strong team and aiming for even more young paddlers to be selected to the NTS. A number of 2010 NTS members will be nominating for the Junior Team and have every chance of success. Walyunga Slalom Course Access The WA STC is working with Senior Ranger Paul Udinga at Dept of Environment and Conservation to upgrade access to the slalom course at Walyunga and to construct a suitable get in point. We will have to apply for funds for the project and will be investigating options. It is urgent that we form a sub-committee to manage this project Canoe Slalom World Championships The World Champs took place from 8-12 September at Tacen, Ljubljiana, Slovenia, with WA being represented by Kynan Maley and Robin Jeffery. Kynan made semi-finals in C1 and is to be congratulated on a semi-final position in every race of the European season. The Australian women had a wonderful season with all three team members in the WK1 Finals (Kate Lawrence, Sarah Grant & Jessica Fox) and two on the podium for WC1 (Leanne Guinea and Jessica Fox). Jess Fox also took a gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Singapore and two golds at the Junior World Championships in Foix (WC1 and WK1). Officials Marion Ewing is now an accredited Canoe Slalom International Judge and judged at the Junior Worlds in Foix. Nicky Pope attained advanced judges accreditation. Seven new parents became accredited judges after completing the course at the Eildon Nationals last January. Volunteers Slalom is a discipline that is highly dependent on help from families, paddlers, siblings and friends. Every bit of help is greatly appreciated and is the reason for our growing success. Margaret Jeffery Chair Slalom Technical Committee Be Active, Go Paddling 21

22 Wild Water Discipline Report 2009 Ben Pope and Steve Lowther heading down a rapid The 2010 Wildwater Technical Committee consists of a balanced number of new and experienced DR paddlers. The Committee of 10 scheduled a series of (5) races beginning with an opening race on flat water and ending with the annual Wildwater Racing - State Championships held at Bridgetown. I was very fortunate to have such an impressive and well oiled group of people this year. Tasks were divided up and everything just fell into place. Terry Bolland (Committee member and proprietor CDU) got the series started with some pre-race training during the summer months. The early morning flat water training sessions were aimed at improving white water skills. Terry from Canoeing Down Under once again generously supported the Wildwater Series with prizes and vouchers. All the Series races were coordinated by committee members and fortunately for us Derek Klompmaker (Volunteer) agreed to time each of the races. He was often assisted by Lawrence Greed and in my opinion WWTC had the 2 best timers in the paddling community looking after the DR race series. As winter drew closer Mother Nature sent us some challenges with a notable lack of rain and water but it didn't stop the die hard DR paddlers. We still managed to have an enjoyable white water season In addition to organising 4 Wildwater races as a lead up to the State Titles the committee planned a 2 day training camp in the Avon Valley, but the unusually low water made this impractical. On the upside we know there is a demand and a market for such a camp. A 2-day DR training session was organised as an alternative at AKC and Bells Rapid. The sessions were conducted by 4 top Ascot Kayak Club DR paddlers (Darryl Long, Dave Worthy, Neil Long and Lawrence Greed). These sessions were very successful and nearly every participant markedly improved their DR racing skills. The committee launched a new Wildwater Website. A lot of work was completed this year but it is still a work in progress and will continue to be further developed next year. The WWTC recognises the importance of encouraging the DR boat class amongst the growing field of ski s and K1 s in WA s major paddle race, the Avon Descent, by again sponsoring the DR category with $500 prize money for first DR Mens. Grant Pepper of Alarm Systems WA sponsored the first DR Womens with $300 and Terry Bolland s Canoeing Down Under sponsored 2nd and 3rd DR Mens with $250 in vouchers. The WWTC also supported the winning Junior DR Avon Team with 3 prizes totalling $120. A focus for this year was to support and encourage our junior s base. A few entered a number of the DR races which is noteworthy as DR races often conflict with Slalom events both disciplines are chasing the white water over a short season. Our juniors were again a highlight of the State Championships in Bridgetown and a few of our juniors are looking to compete in the National Championships in NSW this year. Needless to say that none of the above would have been possible without the work and dedication of the 2010 committee and many other volunteers like the 2 Helens (Morbey and Breed); to which we all owe special thanks. Be Active, Go Paddling 22