2025 News

Twice in a Blue Moon - Book Launch 25 Oct 2025

Sat 25 October marked the official launch of 'Twice in a Blue Moon' - recounting Richard Barnes crossing of the Tasman Sea by kayak.


Above: Pic of Justin with Richard in front of one of two drop-down banners designed byJustin's granddaughter Ashleigh Paine, a graphic designer, and mader by her mother, Fiona Pane, Justin's daughter-in-law. And launch talk in progress.

Above: view of the theatre, and line-up of Trans-Tasman crossing coke bottles (lucky door prizes)

Car Park Birthday 22 Oct 2025

Significant birthdays often get some recognition at the Time Trials - and so it was for Wade's 65th. A few photos from a not quite impromptu celebration in the car park after the Time Trial. Photos - Matt S

LCRK 25th Birthday Celebration

The Diddy Saturday 24 May 2025 - by Andrew P
With attendance less than expected (nominally 35), the low key event was a welcome break and diversion from the weather of the preceding week, with clear skies and a relatively mild temperature, however the option of moving into the hall was well received as it made for a better opportunity for all to move around the tables to chat and simply enjoy the opportunity to discuss thigs other than paddling (well we tried). The meal service provided seemed to well accepted and I do not recall any significant complaints and having an open tab on the bar provided by the club was well received by all.

The venue certainly lends itself to this kind of gathering as it is much more comfortable for respective partners (those that do not paddle) compared to the undercover area adjacent to our shed and the much-loved Lane Cove River.

Formalities were kept to a minimum, starting with a brief thank you to those present from Vice President (Andrew Pearce) as Don Johnstone had a prior engagement, we then moved on to having those with old and well-loved LCRK clothing items such as hats, shirts, tops etc. Seeing the respective conditions and hearing the stories on how these clothing items have lasted these long years, reminded all of the long and fascinating history that this club has. I believe the winner wearing the oldest clothing item was Derek Symonds with a hat and top that dated back to the last century, (late 1988 if I recall).

As to be expected the stories of past success in marathon races from the older club Members (Matt Swan, Tim Hookins, Tom Simmat, Derek Symonds, Tony Carr and others) were recalled in detail and it is very evident that these older members have enjoyed a rich and colourful association with the broader paddling community in Sydney, and particularly with the world Masters Games where the highly fancied, and trained athletes from Eastern Europe went home largely empty handed as a result of the LCRK members successes.

The evening wound down around 9.30, with the general comments that more such events should be part of our regular calendar as it allows respective partners to join in and be part of the clubs celebrations in a more inclusive environment.

2025 Royal Challenge (by Pauline F)

On Sunday 4th May I competed (I take that word very lightly!) in the 2025 Royal Challenge – a multi-sport event held within the beautiful Royal National Park south of Sydney and the place I have called my backyard all my life. The event began at Audley and consisted of a 10.5km paddle on the Port Hacking River, followed by a 21km bush run through Lady Carrington drive and finishing off with another 10.5km paddle.

This event was open to all interested paddlers, runners, surf club members and fitness freaks in general and could be completed as a team event or individual. Many of the paddlers I know decided to do the paddle leg and employ a gun runner to bolt 21km through the bush, but I decided to take on the entire event as an individual! Crazy I know but, hey! I love a little bit of paddling and a little bit of running and I was very familiar with the course so why not. I There were 5 individual males and only 2 females – me and a young girl from Northern Beaches surf club and 20 teams, one of which was Team LCRK – Kieran Babich the paddler and Michael Mueller the runner!

I felt very much at home doing the first 10.5km ski leg (no K1s allowed) The event began at 9am with an incoming tide. If anyone has paddled at Swallow Rock you will be aware that it gets very shallow at low tide and paddling against an incoming tide can be quite demanding, however, my ski is relatively light, and I was able to keep up with the young ironwoman. We paddled together for most of the way in magic conditions (no jet skis, tinnies or wake boats) All the guys from Cronulla Sutherland cheered me on as they turned the top marker at Lightening Point. I completed the first leg in 59.09 coming in at 19th place out of 27 teams!

The run leg was gruelling after my paddle, discovering my quad muscles after the paddle and halfway into the 21km. David decided to pace me for the last 10km of running, assisting with my pacing which was, to me, either fast or slow. What has been your pace was his question to which I replied I don’t know. If I felt comfortable that was my pace. I completed the run leg in 2.27 hours and was cheered on by all ground crew (and by that stage some gun teams had completed!)

I quickly changed back into my paddling gear and was escorted off for my last leg with the safety boat. I felt so good to get back on the water and enjoyed the last 10.5km of paddling while paddlers on their return leg shouted out encouraging words. I completed the last paddling leg in 1.10 hours and finished in 24th position overall but when my transitions were added into the mix, I came 27th – something I must refine in the future. I was given a great cheer as I turned the corner and I felt quite emotional. This was my first multi-sport event and I was so happy to have completed it on my own, sore and tired but happy!

Also a big congratulations to Kieran and Michael who came in at 7th Place

Self Rescue Training - Sun 23 Mar - Narrabeen

From Tony Hystek. Now confirmed as Sunday 23rd March, 8am at Narrabeen. A week after 2x2 and a week before the marathon, and while it is still warm. See attached notes.

Good opportunity to try some tippy boats and just have some fun too. Practice for both skis and kayaks. Members please contact the Committee to register.

Clean Up Australia Day - 2 March

Clean-Up Australia Day, proved to be a significant event as close to 20 volunteers gathered to clean the river and its surrounding areas. The cleanup extended from Fullers Bridge to Sugarloaf Point/Blackman's, with both land-based and water-based cleanup activities.

John Duffy missed out on a dollar bill this year but found an American Express card instead with unknown credit! In contrast to John D, Jeff T did not enhance his personal assets this year but ruined his new and expensive shark skin shoes while walking through the deep mud. I told ya Jeff!

Chris J demonstrated extraordinary dedication by diving full body into the river to cut down and retrieve a large tree trunk next to the pontoon. He probably lost more than his shoes by doing that. Mr President Don J dove face down to the river bottom next to the pontoon to retrieve his phone (which was fortunately in a water-proof cover), and he managed to get it back after a serious number of dives and digging in the muddy ground of the river. Quite an impressive recovery Don!

The event manager, Caroline M, did not consider a risk assessment for this event however after seeing the enthusiasm of some LCRK volunteers this year a health risk assessment will be issued next year.

Luckily everyone survived CUAD this year with no injuries reported.

19 Feb 2025 Weekly Time Trial photos

Please browse the above Flickr album for coverage of one of our weekly Time Trials

New Zealand Kathmandu Coast to Coast

Congrats to Renae Watkins who just completed in New Zealand Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

The club is so proud of Renae who has trained for months in trail running, cycling and white-water kayaking. She was required to attain the required paddling certifications to enter. A last minute trail running fall & injured hand almost led to DNS, but super well done Renae.

Each year the event is SOLD OUT & Balloted with close to 1,000 competitors with the individual entry fee of $1,400 NZ ($1,265 AUD).

Coast to Coast is a A historied race Held every February, the race starts on the West Coast, at Kumara Beach and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide and finishing on the East Coast with the finish at the Pier on New Brighton Beach in Christchurch. The race is one of the world's longest running multi-sports events and is older even than the Hawaiian Ironman. Robin Judkins founded the event in 1983 when just 25 hardy souls took on the 243km challenge over two days.


Renae in action (Photo credit Kathmandu Coast to Coast)