Paddlers brave the cold

NOT even the cold of winter can deter members of the Warrnambool Kayak Club from getting in the water.

By Staff Writer

The club currently offers a winter paddling program for juniors and seniors of all abilities.

“The kids love getting down to the river after school on a winter afternoon,” club member Ben Johnson said.

“Many of them have been hardened by summers in the surf and use the colder months to develop their technique as ski paddlers for Surf Life Saving.

“Some paddlers have gone on to enjoy competitive flat water paddling at national and international level.”

Johnson believes that some of the enthusiasm has stemmed from the success of ski paddler Ellie Johnson who, last year, was selected as a member of the Australian marathon kayaking team for the World Championships in Croatia.

This year her brother has qualified and will race in Hungary in September.

“We take paddlers from the age of 14,” Johnson said.

“After a winter on the flat water, the juniors are ready and able to tackle skis in the surf.”

Each Wednesday session is an hour long and focusses on technique.

“We have around 30 people involved this year which is great,” Johnson said.

“There is no reason to be cold in winter; just rug up for the conditions and get dry quick after each session – that’s the key to enjoying a paddle throughout winter.”