Paddlers hit Impossible

PADDLING QUEEN: Australian stand up paddle over 40s champion Gwen Carbone in action.

Victoria’s top paddle surfers will hit the waves on the Surf Coast this month for the state titles.
Australian stand up paddle over 40s champion Gwen Carbone will join competitors of all ages squaring off in the championship, which includes marathon, technical and surf events.
Carbone beat Narelle Kuppers to claim the 2017 title in a nail-biting finish in NSW last November.
Entries opened recently for all divisions of the championship, and paddlers can enter into several age groups ranging from under 18 to over 60.
The action runs from 28 to 29 April at Point Impossible and other beaches along the Surf Coast.
The championship also features a 7km Community Paddle for newcomers to the sport, who wish to test themselves in an open-ocean paddle.
Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson was excited by the growth of stand up paddling and the talent in Victoria.
“It has been one of the fastest growing disciplines for the past few years and the support we have seen for this event is fantastic,” he said.
“This event is the pinnacle for stand up paddle in Victoria and is the pathway for our elite paddlers to represent the state at the Australian titles.
“With the addition of the community paddle in the past two years, and having the surfing component at Point Impossible, this event has become a fantastic gathering.
“I look forward to seeing everyone compete over the weekend.”
Paddlers can enter online at www.surfingvic.com