2022 News


Broughton Island Trip Report 23-25 April 2023

As a lovely change from flatwater racing or harbour / ocean racing, 5 LCRK members (Ruby Ardren, Anne Cumming, Nam Nguyen, Lee Wright and myself) and one ring-in (James Johnson, who has paddled the odd LCRK TT over the years) joined professional tour-guide Adrian Clayton for a 2 night trip to Broughton Island from 23 to 25 April. After a 3-hour drive from Sydney, we set out from Jimmy's beach at Hawks Nest around 11am on Sunday.

The weather was glorious and the sea relatively calm, but Adrian still had a few incidents to deal with. About 10k in, after passing Cabbage Tree Island, he noticed that Lee's sea kayak was travelling very low in the water. We rafted up and put a hand pump to good use, emptying maybe 20 litres of water. It appears the problem related to a packet of chips that expanded in the heat, popping the front hatch, and soaking the interior, including most of Lee's food for the trip.

Next, one of the party started paddling off to the side of the group, which we discovered later was in order to discreetly deal with seasickness - that required about 5 subsequent detours until it was fully dealt with.

A tow rope was also put to good use, with Adrian deciding to put in some resistance training in order to keep the group going while Nam bailed out some water - a problem later fixed by a change of spray skirts - the replacement skirt being far more water resistant.

It was still an enjoyable crossing, although when we arrived at Looking Glass Isle, it soon became clear that we wouldn't be paddling through Con's Cleft. Instead we traversed a bumpy passage between Looking Glass and Broughton, where Adrian's rescue skills were again put to the test after Anne capsized and was heading for the rocks.

We completed the 22.7km crossing in 4 hours 20, then set up camp at a fabulous campsite in Esmeralda Cove, and tucked into a tasty dinner and a wide array of mostly alcoholic beverages.

On Monday, we circumnavigated Broughton Island - 16km of exploring sea caves, spotting turtles, shearwaters, flying fish, and eagles. Then Ruby and I went for a snorkel / swim in Esmeralda Cove, while the others walked to the summit of Broughton Island.

On Tuesday, Adrian, Nam and I made an early start, for one last crack at paddling through Con's Cleft, but we'll have to label that voyage Don's Disappointment, as the conditions were still too rough. Oh well, I guess I have a good excuse for another fun trip to Broughton in the future.

The return trip to Jimmy's was nearly an hour shorter than on the way across, but a little further, as we went around Cabbage Tree Island to check out the seal colony, and I tacked my way south east, catching a bunch of runners. We also paused for a navigational exercise - taking bearings to 3 landmarks so as to simulate giving our location to emergency services. And Nam tried out his sail. Then we were met by a greeting party of dolphins as we paddled past Yacaba Point, which was a lovely way to cap off a fantastic trip. Thanks very much to Adrian for leading us. I'll be back.

LCRK 2x2 Relay - 02 Apr 2023 by Caroline Marschner

It wasn’t a normal Sunday morning, definitely not one of those normal people would wake up for and those who did secretly wished they did not! It was dark, it was wet and it was pouring down. I expected a few more text messages to arrive before 7am to tell me: “…it’s not on Caroline!”, but only a few people cancelled for good reason.

Arriving at the shed at 7:30 am I saw some not so keen eyes looking at me and waiting for the call to go to the next coffee shop for bacon and eggs… now!

But no, wait! We did better than that! As a team, we came up with a strategy to keep everyone safe and sound during the 2x2 relay and changed the approach slightly. Our hard-boiled paddlers went for a full time trial in one go to stay warm and our hard-boiled spectators (the second half of the team) got all the umbrellas and rain jackets out to cheer everyone up from the pontoon before teams changed after 12km.

After the first lap Kevin M., a Blackbird, paddled past the pontoon and shouted out loud something that sounded like a warning but we did not understand what he said and just smiled back at him and shouted back “Go Kevin”! After the third paddler gave us a heads up while paddling past, we got the message that there was more than what we could see from the pontoon.

Above: Esther W. rips by the pontoon while Caroline M. prepares for changeover with teammate. Photo: Duncan J.

The wind wasn’t very strong but the rain was and the flow of the river. I was the second starter of my team Blackbirds and the rain did not ease. My boat filled up with water, the eddies changed my race-line on every corner and I was very confused when the water moved sideways under my boat.

The Rocket man, John D., gave us all a heads-up to take a wide turn behind Fullers Bridge, but thanks to my ignorance I did not take that serious and I almost hit the concrete. Tim B. took the turn even more extravagant than me and went sideways between the pylons! Luckily there was no damage to his boat, but it certainly looked cool!

Everyone was awake by now, dragging more or less driftwood around the course. The enthusiasm did not slow down from our spectators on the pontoon either. Wade R. and Chris J. managed to paddle a full 20km on their own in preparation for up-coming events. Well done!

Above: Team "WheelieBinns" (Esther and Tim) edge out "The Rocket men" (John D. an Jeff H.) in a flying finish. Photo: Kevin M.

All team members generously stayed for a group photo and to celebrate the pre-birthday of our Mr. President, Duncan J., who had his 70th Birthday on Monday, 3rd of April. We all had a birthday carrot cake at the shed and even the sun came out for a while.

How did we make a morning like that so enjoyable? The elements did and a good attitude! It was a fun paddle at least for my fun-barometer. Some more feedback from other paddlers:

 My first 2X2 and I loved it. I thought it was great fun once I woke up and got on the water. An atmospheric immersion experience… Derek S., on behalf of the Optimists

 I had a great time, again! And thanks for the cake Caroline. Worth getting soaked for! Esther W., on behalf of the Wheelie-Binns

 Thank you! I am happy we didn't call it off. Kevin M., on behalf of the Blackbirds

Clean Up Australia Day - 5 Mar 2023 by Caroline Marschner

A big thank you to our LCRKs for helping at the CUAD 2023. A total of 21 people were involved in the event and we cleaned up major areas along Lane-Cove River. Due to high tide in the morning we hosted the event from 2- 5pm in the afternoon, a bit warm but participants came up with creative ideas to stay cool and protected from the sun. Naomi and Andrew P. kept themselves cool by getting stuck in deep mud, Chris J. was covered in full PPE that ensured almost no sunlight would hit his skin. Grace brought her own pool with clean water and truly enjoyed watching everyone else work.

Ready for the battle against litter and equipped with bags and gloves our ground forces walked up north and south from the pontoon accessing river banks from land. Our marine specialist corps took out larger flagships such as carriers, cruisers or smallish frigates to collect larger or smaller items respectively from every possible corner of the river. No submarine was reported at any stage, some marines went overboard but could be found eventually.

Due to higher demand cadets, Frank H., Thomas and Mathew A. and Thomas H. were recruited, ready to take on their duty. Though cadet Franky later reported it was “not funny” to be left alone in one boat with Rodrigo and dad Craig. No official complaint was lodged and Rodi and Craig definitely enjoyed themselves.

A total of 20 bags were filled and many other larger items were brought home such as crab nets, a spade, buckets and tires. We were happy to see much less rubbish collected compared to last year, which is a good sign.

After a proper personal and boat clean, everyone enjoyed a cool or hot drink and some healthy snacks. We took 2 group photos so all comrades could be dismissed from their service in time.

Thank you to Richard, Thomas and Matthew Andrews, Duncan Johnstone, Justin Paine, Rodrigo Matamala, Chris Johnson, Craig and Frank Hutchinson, Paul Van Koesveld, James Farrell, Lee Wright, Andrew Pratley and Naomi Johnson, Matt Swann, Elke Van Ewyk, Wade Rowston, David and Thomas Hammond, Caroline Marschner



International Womens Day - Pink Paddle - 8 Mar TT

LCRK 2x2 Relay - 12 Feb 2023 by Caroline Marschner

We saw a solid turnout of 6 teams in the second Sunday morning “2x2 Relay”. While some of the previous teams had entered again there were some interesting new combos. Team names were well chosen and perfectly suited for the winning team “The Rocket Men” with John Duffy and Jeff Hosnell. Helen McDonald and Lee Wright choose to be the “He-Lee-Copters”, but neither of these 2 teams actually took off with their speed on the water. Hopefully we will see a launch next time guys!

It went very smoothly for the “Smooth Operators” with Tim McNamarra and Paul VanKoesfeld. This time 2nd over the line. The new team “Give me 5” with Peter Janecek and Tony Hystek appeared like David and Goliath joining forces during the final events of the End Time and came 3rd. Team “Beauty and the Beast” with Caroline Marschner and Duncan Johnstone did not appear what it seems while both had to paddle in Beast Mode to get to 4th place. Special shout-out for the team “Birthday Boys” with Phil Geddes and Kevin Mulally, 5th over the line. Phil celebrated his birthday with us on the exact day, 12th of February, and Kevin’s birthday was 3 days earlier, 9th of February. Happy Birthday Boys!

It was a warm and sunny morning and the pontoon was rather lively with many other recreational kayakers coming in and going out. It appeared like a kayak carnival at the pontoon with 2 packrafts, 2 double sea kayaks, several skis, an outrigger, and a bunch of white-water boats. Everyone was very accommodating and helpful. Thank you to our LCRKers for helping the ladies in Hawkesbury style double sea kayaks out of their boats and carrying it up while they were afflicted with muscle cramps. Also Li Xin joined us on the water, hopefully joining the relay next time. The event was finished before 11 am but the après-paddle went a bit longer at the café where we also celebrated our birthday boys.


Above: Results

Above: Post paddle at the cafe

LCRK 2x2 Relay - 22 Jan 2023

What is more tiring? Paddling a 12km lap at TT pace with occasional wash ride (hopefully) or 2 x 6km laps at greater than TT pace with wash riding unlikely?

Well as it turned out 8 teams entered the inaugural Sunday morning 2x2 team relay last Sunday and had a lot of fun finding out. I am pretty sure most of us went home feeling like we had done a regular TT plus more.

Starting on fixed team handicaps, most teams started 10 mins each side of 8am. The chase was on. Mike Thom got the front markers team 'Secret Trainers' off to a great start. The back markers team 'The Budha Brothers' had a lot of work to do attempting to plough down the field. Harry Janecek from 'The Locals' team attempted an early start but was pulled back by the starter.

The first relay change overs for all teams went perfectly, as if they had been doing it for years. The subsequent laps saw some changes in team positions as faster and slower team members paddled through their laps.

This event is run from the pontoon so there is lots of encouragement called out as paddlers go by. Turns out it is a good social event.

As the race went on the field came closer together. Esther Wheeler paddled strongly in club K1 Darth, well under her 12km Cup handicap (which may have been set some time ago in canoe) and has been duly noted by by the handicapper. Caroline Marschner paddled well with beautiful technique after a long break from paddling.

In the end there was just 10 mins between the first finishing team and the last in. Great effort by all teams. On finishing each lap it was clear each paddler was giving it their maximum effort. Special mention to the fast finishing 'Budha Brothers', Roddy Matamala & John Burkett who made their way through the field for second place.

Next 2x2 Relay will be on Sunday 12 Feb. Why not join in the fun and get a good workout at the same time? Check the TT report for details in the week before. Here are the results.


Above: Results

Above: Esther from the winning team (Photo Rodrigo Matamala)

Portugal ICF Canoe Marathon Masters World Champs.

Results for NSW Paddlers:

  • Race 2: Jeff Hosnell – 10th K1 Men 70-74
  • Race 2: Geoff Horsnell – 15th K1 Men 70-74
  • Race 8: Brett Greenwood – 1st K1 Men 55-59
  • Race 8: Darren Lee – 10th K1 Men 55-59
  • Race 19: Laura Lee – 1st K1 Women 40-44
  • Race 22: Jason Ware – 11th K1 Men 50-54
  • Race 23: Daniela Torre – 2nd K1 Women 50-54
  • Race 24: Fiona Rae – 2nd K1 Women 55-59
  • Race 25: Pauline Findlay – 3rd K1 Women 60-64
  • Race 26: Chris Visser/Jeff Hosnell – 5th K2 Men 65-69
  • Race 32: Michael McKeogh/Jason Ware – 13th K2 Men 50-54
  • Race 33: Brett Greenwood/Darren Lee – DNS K2 Men 55-59
  • Race 36: Daniela Torre/Laura Lee – DNS K2 Women 40-44
  • Race 39: Pauline Findlay/Fiona Rae – 2nd K2 Women 55-59
  • Race 46: Laura Lee/Jason Ware – 12th K2 Mix 35-49
  • Race 47: Brett Greenwood/Daniela Torre – 1st K2 Mix 50+
  • Race 47: Darren Lee/Fiona Rae – DNF K2 Mix 50+
  • Race 47: John Young/Pauline Findlay – DNF K2 Mix 50+

Full results here

PNSW Club Forum (online 5 Sep) and AGM (online 22 Sep)

A message from Peter Tate, PNSW CEO on 1 Sep:
Hello Clubs,
I've received a handful of registrations for the PNSW AGM to be conducted online Thursday 22nd September. We need eight more handfuls to secure a quorum. Registration for the AGM is essential. The good news is RB will be sharing his BM story after the formalities are complete (that doesn't mean you can deliberately log in late). Another reminder in coming weeks.

In the meantime...
This coming Monday evening 5th September is our next PNSW Club Forum. Three topics...
1. Proposed amendments to the PNSW Constitution - background paper is attached. We will be voting only at the AGM, so this Forum is the only opportunity for open discussion on the proposed changes.
2. Bron Powell and the PNSW Environment Committee will update Clubs and Paddlesports on the Environment Guidelines and projects such as SUPtember.
3. $50M in facility funding is available throughout NSW for "Places to Swim & Paddle". Simon Wilkes, President of River Canoe Club, will share how his club secured $300,000 (yes you read that correctly - $300K). Your club could too. Don't miss this Forum.
(Please contact LCRK Committee if you'd like the link to the 5 Sep online Forum. RSVP details for the AGM are at the link above)

Sella River Race - Spain - Aug 2022

by Bruno Colos Every year, on the first Saturday in August, canoeists from all over the world come to Asturias, Spain to take part in the Sella River race. More than one thousand kayaks, skies and canoes battle it out to be first home over the 20-kilometre course on the Sella River, which runs from the village of Arriondas to the finish line in Ribadesella. On the shore, thousands of spectators enjoy themselves, shouting and encouraging the participants.

That day, first thing in the morning, the river train sets out from Oviedo and Ribadesella packed with people to see the start. At 11 o’clock, while the canoeists get ready on the river, colourful crowds of people in fancy dress make their way through the streets of Arriondas to watch the race, either on foot or on board all kinds of strange vehicles. At 12, the traditional verses to mark the start are read out and the competition is officially underway, with a stampede of canoes towards the river and the excited shouts of the spectators. On the way, the river train and the unusual motor cavalcade accompany the competitors in a joyful atmosphere.

Once at the finish line, the party transfers to the Campos de Ova, where trophies are awarded to the winners in each category and there is a huge picnic. There is food, cider, song, dance… When night comes the fun continues in Ribadesella until the early hours, with its terrace bars and open-air parties.

This sporting event has been held since 1930. It is full of music and colour, and has become one of the most important dates on the international canoeing calendar.

The oldest canoeing competition on the international calendar, the Descent of the Sella in Spain, once again attracted huge crowds, and more than 1000 participants from around the world.

It was the 84th edition of this incredibly popular race, and this year 1283 canoeists from 16 countries took to the water. It was estimated more than 200,000 spectators lined the banks of the Sella

One of our members Bruno Colos took on this challenge last weekend with an amazing result. His words after the race “I was so grateful to have participated in the Sella in this 84th edition!!

As a kid always wanted to participate in this magnificent and competitive event!! What a honour it is to be surrounded by so many talents canoeist, athletes of the highest level and with great preparation, without a doubt an experience I've always dreamed of and today I was able to get.

I highly recommend to everyone to do Sella at least once!!

It was a great race and pure excitement before, during and after the race!! So happy I had the opportunity to do it.

Though, very tough!! I had to run for 600m with 22kg boat (Plastic Surfski Nelo 510 ) to the shore because there were many boats in line and everyone started at the same time.

I was fighting for the 4th position in SS1 with Spanish boys, but suddenly I got dizzy in the last 6km to go and had to stop, recover then keep going. Was an incredible experience. Overall I came 9th, not bad for first Sella.

I hope some you might get inspired and do it next year.”

Clean Up Australia Day - 13 Mar 2022

by Caroline Hempel
* CUAD Flickr Pix

This year “Clean-Up Australia Day” took on another dimension and meaning after the floods hit NSW. A substantial raise in water level and drifting rubbish prompted us to cancel the original event a week earlier, on the 6th Mach, with significant rain still falling on that Sunday morning. Lucky we did as the actual flood hit Sydney a few days after. Hence on the 13th of March we had an even more rewarding “Clean-Up Lane Cove River”- Day.

Our members were extremely supportive. A crew of 20 people (from which were 5 land rats and 15 water rats) managed to clean up a significant part of our beloved river from Fullers Bridge to Sugarloaf Point. Thanks to the great sacrifice of individual participants and our club we had a fleet of mostly plastic kayaks but also a ski, a TK2 and 2 big canoes. All boats and folks were covered in serious mud afterwards, required extensive cleaning but everyone secretly or obviously enjoyed it.

The event started at 9am, crews were set to their allocated section of the river and were supported by the 2 canoes which were placed on both distant ends of the covered area.

Our land crew didn’t have any easier job walking on soggy ground and picking up more mud covered rubbish.

“Clean-up Australia Day” organisers provided all equipment including gloves, bags, paperwork and a scale so we were able to do the stats afterwards. A total of 135 kg of rubbish was collected by 12 pm! A major shout-out to everyone! The type of rubbish that was found leaves room for great stories (can’t wait to hear yours). I was considering a Tennis court nearby, a casualty lawn mower, a Lane Cover River mud crab business (our newest local health food business)? Amongst other things there were milk crates, a garden rake, buckets, fishing lines, and all kinds of plastics. Unfortunately no hundred dollar bill this year!

Not to forget to mention that Mike Thom took on a serious job cleaning Wirong boat ramp from a thick layer of toxic mud with his portable pressure cleaner and hopefully with PPE.

Afterward the clean-up everyone, but one, was rewarded with hot or cold drinks and homemade pumpkin muffins. The kids evidently had a good sugar hit and enjoyed each other’s company.

Some extra keen members kept working weighting and packing up the rubbish for council clean-up.

Thank you to all participants (see list below), also PaddleNSW, “Clean-up Autralia.org.au” and Willoughby Council, for a successful event. There’s definitely more rubbish out there so I encourage every paddler to continue to pick up pieces of plastic on land or on the water. List of attendees: John D., Laura and Jeff H., Matt S., Duncan J., Andrew P., Jeff T. Jeff C., Richard+ Tom+ Matthew A., Chris J., Craig+ Franky (alias Dinosaur) H., Wade R., Craig S., Mike T., Rodrigo M., Don Johnstone, Richard Y., Anjie L., Dave H., Caroline H. (event coordinator and author of this report)