Oarsome: Canoeists Kal Rawson, Ben Winter, Mardi Stapleton and James Winter on their favourite river.
By John Van Klaveren
IF YOU see a passionate paddler out on the Barwon River at any time of day or night, chances are they belong to the Geelong Canoe Club.
President Graeme Bowes said canoeists were coming and going seven days a week at all hours.
The club’s base in Marnock Rd opposite Balyang Sanctuary becomes a revolving door.
“Before we had the clubrooms people would just roll up with canoes on their cars, usually near the rowing clubs, and launch,” Graeme recalled.
“Having our own base has made a significant difference. Our membership has built up, we have around 220 now.”
The club is fortunate to have one of the best stretches of water anywhere in the state to accommodate its paddlers.
“Canoeing Victoria considers Geelong as probably the number one venue,” Graeme confided.
“We have everything required here: The water is fairly sheltered, we can easily set up a good course and we can book the river for major events so it is closed to other water users.
“The only area we could improve a bit is in shortening the portage area, where division one and two paddlers have to get out and carry their boat to the next section before continuing.”
Graeme said the Australian canoe marathon titles were held on the Barwon on a regular basis.
“Most people have heard of the Murray Marathon.
“It is similar, with entrants seeded according to past results.
“The elite canoeists do 24 kilometres, right down to the sub-juniors who do four kilometres.”
Graeme said the club was looking to strengthen its junior ranks, mainly through school involvement.
“We’re looking for ways to encourage juniors to participate. Juniors are our future, same as all sports.
“We have Newcomb Secondary College and a few St Josephs students coming along.
“But it’s an individual sport, so there no chance of team play like footy or cricket, apart from the doubles and quads.”
Graeme said despite the individuality of competition, the social aspect of canoeing was what attracted most people.
“Sure, where we get onto the water we do compete, but off the water everyone talks to one another.
“I’ve been a member of a few different sporting clubs but I’ve never seen people help each other as they do in our sport.
“That’s why people love canoeing.”
The club is currently organising a state-wide canoe polo tournament, where solo canoeists try to whack a ball into floating nets set up on a river section.
“Canoe polo is pretty demanding, and people really get stuck into it,” Graeme said.
“It’s been an interesting innovation for the club.”
Visit the club website at geelongcanoeclub.org.au for more information.
