Dear Paddle Club Members,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying your time on the water. Here are some updates and news from our club.
Head Coach Changes
It is truly saddening to hear that Jason’s work commitments will prevent him from continuing as the club head coach. Jason’s contributions to the club over the last four years have been invaluable, particularly in his dedication to the come-and-try and learn-to-paddle sessions. His passion, energy, and commitment to helping others achieve their paddling goals have undoubtedly played a significant role in the club’s success.
It is clear that Jason’s absence will be keenly felt by all those who have had the pleasure of working with him, and his departure will leave a hole in the hearts of many within the club. Furthermore, his expertise and experience will be sorely missed, and his departure will undoubtedly create a gap in the club coaching programs.
We are grateful for everything that Jason has done for the club, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors with Paddle Queensland. While his presence will be missed, we are confident that the lessons he has imparted and the skills he has shared will continue to guide and inspire us in the future. And maybe he will fit in some coaching on his home swings if the opportunity arises.
Winter Training Times
Paddlers are reminded that training times change to from 6:30am to 7am from 1 May for the winter months. Unfortunately the 5:30am group still has to start at 5:30 in order to finish in time for work and school. Please be safe and use bike lights on your craft or body to show other water users of your presence.
Paddle Queensland Safety Sessions
Paddle Queensland is running three sessions from our club:
8 July Skills & Coaching Workshop
12 August Volunteers Workshop
5 October Safety Workshop
Details available on PQ website and attachment. Please help spread the word via your paddling buddies.
Time Trial Results 2 April 2023
Everyone paddled the 7.5km course. Excellent conditions, just after high tide with very little run out. No wind or motorised boat traffic. All paddlers came in under their predicted times.
Great to see Jaymee come down for a paddle; and Laura moving into a K1 supported by Rob in TK.
| Jake Hudson | 36:23 |
| Justin Wright | 37:01 |
| Vance & Tracey Murphy | 39:46 |
| Lachlan Kent | 39:48 |
| Brendon O’Donnell | 41:15 |
| Graeme Hudson | 43:17 |
| Deb Wright | 46:41 |
| John Smallwood | 48:08 |
National Sprint Championship Results
Well done to all our paddlers who competed in Perth at the Australian Sprint Championships from 20 to 25 March. Results mean Australian team selection for some. However, personal best times were recorded for all our juniors.
National Marathon Championships
Good luck to all our paddlers competing at Geelong in the Australian Marathon Championships from 5 April.
Gregory River and Barron River Races
Several members will be going from Geelong to the Gregory River race to be held on the first weekend in May. Following on from there, they will travel to the Barron River race. Good luck and safe travels.
Sponsorship
We are asking club members to seek sponsorship from your community connections. If you think you could help in this regard, please contact the committee for a formal letter that can be drafted to your specific contacts. We can offer on fence advertising, promotion on our face book page and website and in this newsletter.
Key Audit
Don’t forget we are currently conducting a key audit of the club house. If you haven’t already done so, please send an email to Sunshinecoastpaddlesportsclub@gmail.com with your name and club house key number. This audit is important to ensure that we have an accurate record of all keys and to maintain the security of our club house. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Photos for Sunshine Coast Facebook Page
Please remember to send any items for sharing on our Facebook page to Matt. We want to keep our page active and engaging for all members, so please send in your photos, videos, and stories!
I want to let you know that I will be away until mid-July. However, I want to assure you that I will still be available via the club email if you need to contact me during this time.
In my absence, I have arranged for some of our members to take on specific roles to ensure that things continue to run smoothly. Deb Wright and Jake Hudson have kindly volunteered to look after the time trial, while Paul Shipton, Club Secretary, will be taking care of the latest newbies and U12s, plus Annette on Saturday mornings. Joe Ballantyne is the Maroochy River Paddle contact person for the next three months.
For all matters relating to club finance, please reach out to Doug Brennan, Club Treasurer, who will be the go-to man in my absence. Matt Ramke-Meyer is responsible for Facebook and media messages, and Tim Kreis and Lachlan Kent will be on hand to deal with any issues that need fixing. Please contact via the club email in the first instance sunshinecoastpaddlesportsclub@gmail.com
I want to thank these members for stepping up to help out while I am away. I am confident that the club will continue to thrive under their leadership. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding and support.
As you know, our club is fortunate to have the support of several sponsors who have generously contributed to our success over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of our sponsors and ask that you consider using their services should the need arise.
Our sponsors are
| Sunshine Coast 4WD Centre | Cricks Maroochydore Subaru | Accurate Pest Management |
| Westaway Electrical | Alexandra Headland SLSC | Future Plus – Environmental |
| Perren & Penny Civil & Plumbing Contractors | North Coast Foods | North Shore Realty |
| Carruthers Contracting | Custom Covers | Viking Trucks |
| PJ Burns Builders | Structural & Mechanical Design Solutions | Office Works Maroochydore |
| Guardian Pharmacy Jones Road Buderim | ||
| And thank you to the following government bodies for their support: | ||
| Australian Government, Dept of Business & Industry | Qld Government, Dept of Sport & Rec | Sunshine Coast Council |
These companies have shown a commitment to supporting our club and its members, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.
If you are in need of any of the services or products that our sponsors offer, I encourage you to consider using their services. By doing so, you not only support the club but also support the businesses that have shown us kindness and generosity. I want to thank our sponsors for their continued support, and I hope that you will join me in acknowledging their contributions to our club.
We look forward to seeing you on the water soon!
Kind regards, Delia, Doug, Paul, Tim, Lach, Matt and Jason (last time)