August 2026 club update
Our numbers have been down with the cooler and darker mornings, but that is slowly changing, and the coming months will see more members on the water enjoying the warmer conditions and early sunrises. We are looking at an above average temperature range for spring and summer, so enjoy this winter weather while it lasts.
We missed the July time trial due to a clash of dates, but the next one is locked in for Saturday 29 August. As with the June event, participants log their own times and we collect and track them against the rest of the field. It is not a race, but it is a good way to pace yourself against other members and work out who you should be comparing yourself to on training sessions and social paddles.
Wave Break Island Challenge, 18 July
“Challenge” was an understatement. The wind and wave conditions made for an extremely difficult course for all competitors, and the pre-race briefing did mention how tough it was going to be. Sue Beith gave us the overview, and quite a few from the club lined up.
| Member | Craft |
|---|---|
| Grant Davies | Prone |
| Peter Krummenacher | SUP |
| Monica Krummenacher | SUP |
| Tracey Mouque | SUP |
| Michael Rix | OC1 |
| Oz Bestel | Ski |
| Stephan Lorenz | Ski |
| Leila Furness | Ski |
| Bryan Collister | Ski |
| Craig Smith | Ski |
| Justin O’Neill | Ski |
| Sue Beith | Ski |
Not everyone who started completed the challenge, but everyone enjoyed the day knowing we had challenged ourselves and were all paddling with the one goal: to be the best we can be at what we love, and to enjoy our paddling community.
Coaching with Shaun Caven
Gus organised external coaching for the club with Shaun Caven, held on 2 August. Ten members took up the opportunity. Shaun took five people at a time and worked predominantly on technique, and the feedback was excellent. Gus is working with Shaun to lock in regular sessions for members.
I’m originally from Scotland and have spent over 30 years in high-performance coaching, in sprint kayaking and endurance sport. I’ve served as head coach for the GB, USA and Australian national teams, coaching athletes who’ve competed at three Olympic Games and three Paralympic Games across both able-bodied and Paralympic pathways. My current focus is helping athletes train smart, perform under pressure, and build long-term consistency by integrating technical skill, physical preparation, and the mental side of performance.
Shaun Caven
John’s Wednesday HIIT session
The session is going from strength to strength, with a regular crew joining even in the cold dark depths of winter. Special shout out to Michael for trekking down from Mt Tamborine, and to the regulars: Craig, Elin, Trish, Paul L, Michael, Matthew P, Gus and Peter D. Numbers will keep growing as the morning sun returns.
John’s key tips for getting the most out of it:
- Focus on form. Fatigue breaks down technique. Maintain core engagement and a strong, long catch even as intensity rises.
- Use your buddy’s wash to recover and gain speed, then pip them just before the interval ends.
- Lock the core. Do not pull the paddle with your arms. Plant the wing blade and rotate your torso to move the ski past the paddle.
- Aggressive leg drive. Forcefully straighten your leg on the stroke side to drive your hip back, which transfers power into the ski’s footplate.
Splitwise for the coffee run
To simplify the Saturday coffee run we are adopting Splitwise as our preferred payment tracking app. As the weather warms up we will be back to larger numbers for the run to Budds Beach, and it remains the most popular session of the week. The app makes sure everyone contributes to a round without anyone carrying too much of the load.
New club shirts
Gus has done an outstanding job organising the new club performance shirts. They are light construction with high sun protection, which we are going to need over summer. There is also a cotton short-sleeve version that works well pre and post session. Life vests are available through the club too: recommended for all paddles, and mandatory for offshore sessions.
New here?
If you have never paddled before, the easiest way in is the $50 try-us pass. Thirty days, ski and PFD included, an experienced paddler beside you the whole time. We launch from the Paddle House at Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach, six mornings a week.