Paddle Queensland Canoe Sprint School Championships Celebrate Rising Talent at SYC Oxenford
Oxenford, QLD – Friday 17 October, 2025
The 2025 Paddle Queensland Canoe Sprint School Championships saw Queensland’s next generation of paddlers shine under blue skies and light breezes at the Southport Yacht Club’s Oxenford Watersports Centre. The near-perfect 24-degree conditions provided an ideal stage for fast racing, spirited competition and outstanding sportsmanship across all divisions.
Athlete Highlights
Over 120 young athletes representing schools from across the state competed in single and double kayak events across 500 and 125 metres. The day began with the 500m Male Single and Female Double races followed by the Male Doubles and Female Singles before switching to the 125m Male and Female single race.
500 m Race Overviews
Male Single
In the premier male single event, Anderson Flick powered home to claim gold with an outstanding display of rhythm and control. His smooth acceleration over the final 100 metres separated him from the pack as Tom Messenger and Tristan Mahon battled for the remaining podium spots in one of the day’s closest finishes. The race set a high standard for the championships, proving why the single division remains the benchmark of sprint performance.
Female Single
The female single race produced an equally thrilling showdown, with Heidi Smith displaying remarkable composure from start to finish. Her clean strokes and strong mid-race surge created an unassailable lead, securing the gold ahead of Leila Furness and Charlotte Caughey, who crossed the line within seconds of each other. The field’s depth and technical precision underscored the growing strength of female sprint paddlers across Queensland schools.
Male Double
Teamwork was the defining element in the male doubles, as Anderson Flick/Riley Scott delivered a near-perfect performance built on timing and power. The crew held a consistent lead from the halfway mark, resisting late pressure from Ryder Vearing/Dorian Matthes and Kya Brace/Tristan Mahon in a gripping three-boat duel. Their unity and coordination through the final strokes made for one of the most polished performances of the day.
Female Double
The female doubles event saw Leila Furness/Heidi Smith put on a masterclass in synchronization and speed. Launching off the line with precision, they maintained composure throughout the course to capture gold in commanding style. Charlotte Caughey/Ryne Spence fought bravely for silver, rounding out a strong representation of female school paddling talent. The smiles at the finish said it all — teamwork truly made the difference.
125 m Sprint Overviews
Male Single
The short-course 125 m sprint lived up to its reputation as a test of raw speed. Tom Messenger exploded off the line to seize an early advantage and never looked back, securing victory by a narrow margin over Ryder Vearing and Dorian Matthes. With every paddle stroke counting, the intensity of the final metres drew loud cheers from the shoreline, showcasing the electric pace of the next generation of sprinters.
Female Single
A lightning-fast start defined the female 125 m sprint, where Heidi Smith combined power and precision to take top honours. Her flawless execution under pressure held off late challenges from Leila Furness and Charlotte Caughey capping a spectacular day of competition. The event was a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and the fierce determination of young female paddlers.
School Championship Results
In the overall points tally, Pacific Lutheran College were crowned the 2025 School Champions, earning a commanding 720 points thanks to strong performances across every division. Elanora State High School secured second with 550 points, while Palm Beach Currumbin State High School rounded out the top three with 170 points.
Weather and Conditions
The event benefited from calm waters and light northeasterly winds, creating ideal sprint conditions for both developing and competitive paddlers. Race officials noted that the consistent weather allowed every athlete to perform at their best while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment throughout the day.
“It’s inspiring to see so many young paddlers giving it their all and representing their schools with pride,” said Scott Sharples, Executive Officer of Paddle Queensland. “The quality of competition and the enthusiasm on display show a very bright future for sprint paddling in Queensland.”
Acknowledgements
Paddle Queensland extends its sincere thanks to the volunteers, officials and school communities who made the event possible. The association also acknowledges the continued support of the Southport Yacht Club Oxenford Watersports Centre for hosting another successful championship.
Paddle Queensland extends a heartfelt thank you to Matilda Studios for capturing the energy, emotion, and excitement of the 2025 Canoe Sprint School Championships. Their incredible photography showcased not only the athleticism and determination of our young paddlers but also the spirit of community that defines our sport. Every smile, sprint, and celebration was beautifully preserved — helping us share the story of a fantastic day on the water. To view images from the day click here.
Race Results
Click on the below race to view the results on webscorer.
2025 PQ CSSC Block 1 500m (M1F2)
2025 PQ CSSC Block 2 500m (M2F1)
2025 PQ CSSC Block 3 125m (M1F1)
Save the Dates!
2026 Canoe Sprint State Champs — Sat 7 Feb 2026
2026 Canoe Marathon State Champs — Sat 7 Mar 2026
2026 Canoe Marathon School Champs — Tue 16 Jun 2026
2026 Canoe Sprint School Champs — Tue 8 Sep 2026
All at Lake Samsonvale.