It is my pleasure to present the Paddle Queensland Annual Awards Winners for 2025.
| VIDEO OF THE YEAR |
| The Video of the Year Award portrays paddling of any discipline featuring a Paddle Queensland member/s and/or a Paddle Queensland Affiliated Club participating in a local, state, national or international activity or event. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Video of the Year Award winner is Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club. Our video captures the vibrant spirit of the Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club at Eudlo Creek, the heart of our paddling community. Viewers are taken on a journey from the tranquil setting of our clubhouse and creek through to the energy of training/competition. The video features our coach guiding juniors as they warm up, prepare for their sprint races, and launch into action. It also highlights the teamwork behind the scenes, with timers and recorders ensuring all races are run smoothly. Together, these moments showcase the dedication, enthusiasm, and joy that define our club. |
| PHOTO OF THE YEAR |
| The Photo of the Year Award portrays paddling of any discipline featuring a Paddle Queensland member/s and/or a Paddle Queensland Affiliated Club participating in a local, state, national or international activity or event. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Photo of the Year Award winner is John Morris of Brothers Canoe Club. John Morris from Brothers Canoe Club, can often be found beside the canoe polo field, capturing the true essence of this amazing sport on camera. He spends most of his time during canoe polo competitions taking photo after photo, showcasing the athleticism, agility and determination of the athletes. His ability to capture detailed action shots of players rolling, tackling and shooting for goals is truly remarkable. After he captures all these action shots, he spends time editing and uploading these great photos to share with his canoe polo community. |
| EVENT OF THE YEAR |
| The Event of the Year Award recognises the outstanding experience participants, officials, spectators and the community enjoyed. The days operations ran smoothly with changes documented and well conveyed with effective event promotion and publicity in attracting local media, sponsor and community engagement. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Event of the Year Award winner is the 2025 Australian National and Oceania Championships by Brothers Canoe Club. The event being honoured here is the highest level event available to Australian players to be played within Australia. The Australian Championships represents the elite competition played at state representative level. Every two years the Australian National teams play at the Oceania event. For the senior teams this is the competition which allows qualification for the world championships. The event celebrated here combined the two championships into a single weeklong event showcasing the National and International level competitions, providing the ideal showcase of the talent for Australia and New Zealand, and the continuation of the rivalry and sportsmanship between the two countries. |
| VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR |
| The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises individuals who have committed their time to volunteer for the paddling community and demonstrated a tireless commitment to the sport. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award Winner is Rob Plenderleith of Queensland Sea Kayak Club. Rob Plenderleith is a sea kayaker from way back. Originally from Scotland, he developed his skills there, then practiced them all over the world, as his working life led him to various locations. Luckily for us, his work brought him back to Australia only a few years ago. If it hadn’t, Qld Sea Kayak Club might never have been revitalised. Since he got back to Oz, Rob has thrown himself into developing sea kayaking in Queensland, drawing heavily on his extensive sea kayaking experience, as well as his very professional work standards and skills. His success is self-evident – when he arrived, he didn’t have anyone to paddle with. He is now paddling with hundreds of sea kayakers in every group I know of, and he is welcomed on every paddle as a great contributor to our sport. Thank you Rob. I look forward to our next paddle together. |
| INSTRUCTOR/GUIDE OF THE YEAR |
| The Instructor/Guide of the Year Award recognises an individual who provides outstanding service to paddling in instructing or guiding at any level, follows the Paddle Australia Safety Guidelines and demonstrates professionalism through their actions to foster a greater engagement with paddling. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Instructor/Guide of the Year Award Winner is Allana Bold of Sandgate Paddling Club. Allana’s had an incredible year—creating paddle education opportunities that empower women, inspire youth, support remote communities, and train the next generation of leaders. She’s built capacity across Queensland through inclusive, innovative, safe, and fun programs that make a difference. Whether she’s mentoring teachers on Palm Island, leading sea kayaking trips, canoeing in the wilderness, or instructing at schools, Allana brings energy, passion, and a deep love for helping people get out on the water. |
| CLUB COACH OF THE YEAR |
| The Club Coach of the Year Awards recognise coaches who demonstrate the ability to apply relevant training theory and coaching principles leading to an improved level of performance of a team or athlete across the disciplines of Canoe Sprint, Canoe Marathon, Canoe Polo, Canoe Ocean Racing and Paracanoe. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Club Coaches of the Year are Andrea Wood of Varsity Lakes Paddlers Club and Julian Norton-Smith of Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club. Andrea is an outstanding volunteer coach who delivers four weekly training sessions, building skills, confidence, and strong team spirit in sprint and marathon kayaking. Her athletes have excelled at State and National levels, including the U14 National Marathon Champion. Andrea’s innovation through her ‘Paddle Play’ program has introduced many young paddlers to the sport, while her work in Para-canoe has provided life-changing opportunities for athletes with disabilities. She embodies passion, inclusivity, and excellence in coaching. Julian embodies the very essence of the Club Coach of the Year Award—transforming performance, changing lives, and elevating the profile of paddling in Queensland. His focus remains steadfast on his paddlers, the state of Queensland, and the broader paddling community. Regardless of where or what you paddle, Julian is always there to provide advice, coaching, or training programs. |
| CLUB OF THE YEAR |
| The Club of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement in conducting successful club events, activities and programs. Frequent and open communication with its members. Conducting itself in an organised and professional manner to maximise participation and membership growth and engages with the local community to promote the benefits of paddling and active recreation. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Club of the Year is the Sandgate Paddling Club. Sandgate Paddling Club is a vibrant, active club and aims to promote paddling in the southeast of Queensland. Although firmly integrated into the local community around its base at VMR Brisbane in Shorncliffe, club membership of around 175 includes members from a wide area from Bribie and the Sunshine Coast, through to the Scenic Rim. Through planned sessions and informal paddles, members are on the water nearly every day. It is a recreational and racing Club with members who wish to enjoy the social, physical and emotional challenge of discovering and conquering the diverse conditions of the sea, waterways and wetlands of southeast Queensland. |
| JUNIOR PADDLER OF THE YEAR – OCEAN RACING & CANOE MARATHON |
| The Junior Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Junior paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Junior Paddler of the Year – Ocean Racing & Canoe Marathon is Jack Patel of Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club. Jack is a quiet and thoughtful paddler whose determination is evident in the way he consistently turns up to training and competitions. Without seeking the spotlight, he lets his talent and commitment speak for themselves. Supported by a strong family foundation, Jack has the stability and encouragement to continue building on his achievements and is well-placed for a bright and promising paddling career. |
| JUNIOR PADDLER OF THE YEAR – CANOE SPRINT |
| The Junior Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Junior paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Junior Paddler of the Year – Canoe Sprint is Riley Scott of Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club. Riley has excelled this year to a new level in his sport. He is a dedicated and committed paddler and respected by both his fellow paddlers and coaches. Riley’s success on the water is a true testament to his focus on his training. The Club is very proud of his achievements and watch out for this name in the years to come. |
| JUNIOR PADDLER OF THE YEAR – CANOE POLO |
| The Junior Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Junior paddlers who achieved the highest levels during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Junior Paddlers of the Year – Canoe Polo are Elizabeth Hewett and Sean Reid of Brothers Canoe Club. Beth competes at a level higher than her years would suggest. She is a key member of the Queensland squad of open women players, and is continuing to prove herself at club, national and international level. Beth is a tough competitor, who is always up to the challenges of any game, and simply refuses to yield. If you play against Beth, bring your best game. Sean has been a constant member of club senior team for some years. He has been in the QLD Open Men’s team since 2023 (at 16 years old). He has been competing at nationals since 2020 at other levels. Constantly playing at a high level, it is easy to overlook Sean’s relatively young age. He plays with a maturity that many payers never achieve. He is constantly around the club, playing at any level that he can, and is always willing to help out players of lesser ability with advice and helpful guidance. |
| OPEN PADDLER OF THE YEAR – CANOE MARATHON & CANOE SPRINT |
| The Open Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Open paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Open Paddler of the Year – Canoe Marathon & Canoe Sprint is Byron Dieckmann of Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club. This year, Byron transitioned from the U18 to the Open category, entering competition at the youngest end of the age range. Despite the significant challenge of this step up, Byron has shown remarkable dedication, training earnestly and consistently. The long lead time between national selection and the World Championships required sustained commitment, focus, and resilience, and Byron met that challenge with determination. At the club, Byron is valued not only for his athletic efforts but also for his character. He is approachable, supportive of juniors, and always willing to share a friendly word on and off the water. While results may not fully reflect the extent of his effort, Byron’s persistence, sportsmanship, and positive influence on those around him make him a deserving nominee for Open Paddler of the Year. |
| OPEN PADDLER OF THE YEAR – CANOE POLO |
| The Open Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Junior paddlers who achieved the highest levels during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Open Paddlers of the Year – Canoe Polo are Jack Steel and Anna Thompson of Brothers Canoe Club. Jack’s efforts go beyond only attending the competitions listed. During this award period he was instrumental in continuing an “elite” squad training session in addition to normal training. He attended a number of national elite squad training sessions Jack makes himself available to younger players to assist with their skill development, often attend lower level training sessions to assist with coaching. Anna has been a member of the Brothers Canoe Club for many years. She is an experienced campaigner and has been selected in the Australian women’s team since 2018. She has been role model for the younger players at a local level and has competed at various events assisting the younger female paddlers to find their way in demanding difficult sport. Anna is a quiet achiever and always exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and respect for her teammates and her opponents equally. She is also a fierce competitor in every encounter and most definitely enjoys scoring a goal. |
| MASTER PADDLER OF THE YEAR – OCEAN RACING |
| The Master Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Master paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Master Paddlers of the Year – Ocean Racing are Danielle Appi and Julian Norton-Smith of Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club. Danielle is a new paddler to the sport and has improved rapidly by working hard and pushing well outside their comfort zone in sometimes intimidating open water conditions. She’s a great example for what others in her demographic can do if they give it a try and she loves encouraging others to join the sport. Julian exemplifies the profound impact of a coach who not only develops athletes technically but also embraces inclusion, empathy, and understanding. His work with Asa Poland is a shining example of how tailored coaching can change lives and deliver success on the national and international stage. |
| MASTER PADDLER OF THE YEAR – CANOE SPRINT |
| The Master Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Master paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Master Paddler of the Year – Canoe Sprint is Matthew Ingerman of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. Matt competed at the Paddle QLD State Sprints and won both his individual races in 44-54yrs over the 200m and 500m and competed at the National Sprints in Penrith and won the 200m, 500m and the 1000m sprints. Matt is also the coach for the WRCC Race Team guiding our new junior squad through their first Nationals. Matt is a life member of WRCC for his contribution to coaching and competing for more than 30 years. |
| AWARD OF MERIT |
| An Award of Merit is awarded for an “outstanding” achievement in paddling in either administration or sporting endeavour in the year of the Award, where the individual does not qualify for other Awards. The 2025 Paddle Queensland Award of Merit recipient is Heidi Smith of the Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club. Heidi Smith entered the paddling community through the You for 2032 talent identification program in September 2023. Since then, she has shown remarkable commitment to her sport, culminating in her selection for the U16 Australian Sprint Kayak Team at the Asia Pacific Cup in Japan in May 2025. Heidi continues to train with determination, striving for podium finishes at state, national, and international levels. At the club, Heidi is friendly, approachable, and always willing to help, balancing her focus with a down-to-earth attitude. She is an outstanding role model, demonstrating how dedication and perseverance can lead to success. |
