It is my pleasure to present the Paddle Queensland Annual Awards Winners for 2026.
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award Winner is Grant Epple of Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club. Grant Epple is a name synonymous with Currumbin Creek Paddle Club, where he has dedicated an incredible 28 years to the sport. As Treasurer for nearly two decades, Grant has provided the financial bedrock that allows his club to thrive, but his true impact is measured in people. From his weekly newsletters that never miss a beat—even while he’s on holiday—to his dedicated Saturday morning beginner classes, Grant has personally introduced hundreds of new paddlers to the water, ensuring that everyone, regardless of skill level, feels they truly belong in the paddling community. Beyond the logistics and the spreadsheets, Grant is a quiet leader who exemplifies the spirit of selfless service. Whether he is managing complex race scores, securing vital community grants, moving ski’s around to adventure paddles, he does so with unwavering positivity and integrity. Grant doesn’t just help a club run; he builds a culture, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit Queensland paddling for generations to come. |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Instructor/Guide of the Year Award Winner is Allana Bold of Sandgate Paddling Club. Allana Bold has focused on developing safe, skilled and confident paddling leaders across Queensland. During the nomination period alone, she trained 125 Paddle Australia qualification participants, delivered programs in regional and remote communities, supported Indigenous leadership initiatives, and helped strengthen schools, clubs and outdoor organisations through quality paddling education. A three-time Paddle Australia Instructor of the Year, Allana’s passion extends beyond teaching individuals. By developing instructors, guides and supervisors, she is strengthening the future of paddling by creating leaders who will introduce and inspire thousands of Queenslanders to enjoy canoeing and kayaking safely, confidently and for life. |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Club Coach of the Year is Julian Norton-Smith of Brisbane Paddling Club. Julian Norton-Smith is nominated for Paddle Queensland Coach of the Year in recognition of an outstanding 12-month period of coaching excellence across ocean racing, sprint and marathon paddling. During this time, Julian has delivered consistent high-performance results at international, national and state level, while also growing a large and diverse coaching community of approximately 110 paddlers, the majority of whom are recreational athletes participating in paddlesport for fitness, wellbeing and enjoyment. Highlights of the nomination period include coaching athletes to a World Championships silver medal in the 50–54 Double Ski and 4th place in the Single Ski in South Africa, leading the Paddle Queensland Sprint Team to multiple national podiums in Perth, and achieving further national success in marathon and ocean ski championships, including multiple masters and age-group podium finishes. Julian has also contributed directly to international selection outcomes, with five athletes selected for the World Ocean Racing Championships in Spain, alongside continued state-level podium performances across all disciplines. His coaching impact spans grassroots participation through to world-class performance, underpinned by a strong focus on technique, efficiency, and sustainable, low-intensity training methods. |
| JUNIOR MALE and MARATHON PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| The Junior Male Paddler of the Year Awards recognises the performance achievements of Junior paddlers who achieved the highest overall score during the nomination period. The 2026 Paddle Queensland Junior Male and Marathon Paddler of the Year is Hayden Lano of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. Hayden Lano has shown exceptional determination and mental strength throughout the season, delivering standout performances across junior marathon events. He claimed first place at the QLD State Schools Marathon and the QLD State Marathon for Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club, along with success at Club races, demonstrating consistency and versatility across different race formats. His commitment to training, resilience under pressure, and steady progression make Hayden a truly deserving nominee for Male Junior Marathon Paddler of the Year. |
| JUNIOR FEMALE and SPRINT PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Junior Female and Sprint Paddler of the Year is Sofia Payne of Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club. Sofia Payne has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in sprint kayaking, progressing from an emerging athlete to representing Australia at the 2026 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup. Along the way she claimed gold at GP2, earned a Queensland Academy of Sport Training Agreement, collected multiple medals at the Australian Championships and proudly wore the green and gold on the international stage. Beyond her results, Sofia is recognised for her resilience, humility and infectious enthusiasm. She is a dedicated teammate who encourages everyone around her, celebrates the success of others and approaches every challenge with determination and a genuine love for the sport. |
| JUNIOR FEMALE MARATHON and OCEAN RACING PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Junior Female Marathon and Ocean Racing Paddler of the Year is Hannah Truscott of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. Hannah Truscott is a dedicated and talented 16-year-old paddler who has developed into a strong junior athlete across Marathon and Ocean Racing. Beginning her paddling journey through the YouFor2032 program, Hannah now proudly represents Sheldon College and Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. Hannah’s commitment to training, willingness to embrace new challenges and determination to continually improve have supported her development as a versatile distance paddler. She has demonstrated endurance and resilience in Marathon while achieving an exceptional season in Junior Ocean Racing. Her results included first place in the U19 Female category at both the Paddle Fest Queensland Ocean Racing Championships and Paddle Fest Ocean Classic Hervey Bay, second place in the Junior Female category at the 2026 Moreton Bay Race, and first place at the Beach to Beach Ocean Race. Through her strong work ethic, consistency and positive attitude, Hannah has established herself as one of Queensland’s most promising junior Marathon and Ocean Racing paddlers and is a positive role model for other young athletes entering the sport. |
| OPEN MALE and Paracanoe PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Open Male and Paracanoe Paddler of the Year is Stephen Lobb of Varsity Lakes Paddlers Club. Stephen was born with a hearing impairment and after a major car accident he became a bilateral amputee below the knee, Stephen has embraced paddlesports with enthusiasm and passion. Marathon is his first passion but nothing stops the challenges and Stephen has decided to tackle learning to paddle a ski and get into varying types of water. Acknowledging speed is not his friend, Stephen still attends the sprint championships to test himself. With limited people to race as a paracanoe athlete, Stephen has accepted racing his age group to get competition. At the 2026 PA Canoe Marathon Championships in Canberra, Stephen won the paracanoe short course and long course events. He followed this up recently with a 3rd at the PQ canoe marathon championships coming 3rd in his masters age group. Although no podiums, Stephen also raced the PQ sprint championships exactly 6 years after his life changing accident. Stephen is happy to test himself at as many races as he possibly can. Recently in very challenging conditions in which many competitors failed to finish, Stephen finished the Wave Break Island Challenge. It was his second attempt at the race. Regardless of a couple of swims, Stephen showed enormous determination to complete the race. When Stephen is not racing, he is a very valuable club member showing support to all club members at training and races. He is always a willing helper at club events and clean ups. There is no hurdle Stephen can’t overcome. He has embraced the paddling community as much as the paddling community has embraced Stephen. |
| MASTER MALE and SUP PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Master Male and SUP Paddler of the Year is Laurie Stephenson of 4670 SUP Club. Laurie ‘Loz’ Stephenson is honoured and humbled to receive the PQ Paddler of the Year, he trains hard to push himself in the sport seeing the value it has added to his life and trying to inspire others around him to enjoy this sport. He has always believed it is one of the best all-round physical workouts, and it also provides a great connection to the sea (whether flatwater, ocean or surfing paddling), enjoying the many wonderful locations to which to paddle across Queensland and Australia. Loz appreciates the work being done by Paddle Queensland to include the SUP community and it grateful for the continued opportunity to represent the SUP community in Queensland. |
| MASTER FEMALE and SUP PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Master Female and SUP Paddler of the Year is Janet Buchan of BrisSUP Club. Janet discovered standup paddling late in life but is making up for lost time and leading by example with her personal paddling achievements, dedication to the sport and extensive contribution to the SUP community in Queensland. Her paddling highlights include representing Australia at the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi where, at 63 she competed in the Masters (50+) earning a top 10 finish in the SUP Marathon. She was a member of the Queensland State team for SUP Nationals in 2025 and 2026 and is current national champion in the Masters 60+ in all SUP disciplines. She holds state titles and regularly earns top three finishes in Paddle Queensland races. As President of the BrisSUP Club Janet is active in the Queensland SUP community and focuses strongly on making SUP social and inclusive and growing membership. |
| MASTER MALE OCEAN RACING PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Master Male Ocean Racing Paddler of the Year is Julian Norton-Smith of Brisbane Paddling Club. Julian Norton-Smith is nominated for Master Paddler of the Year in recognition of an exceptional competitive season across ocean racing and sprint disciplines, achieving consistent high-level results at state, national and international level. His performances demonstrate continued excellence, versatility, and the ability to remain competitive against the strongest master athletes in the sport. During the season, Julian secured 1st place at the State Ocean Racing Championships and followed this with a dominant 1st place at the National Ocean Racing Championships. At international level, he placed 4th at the World Ocean Racing Championships, competing against the world’s best master paddlers. In sprint competition, Julian also achieved 2nd place in the K1 1000m at the National Sprint Championships, further highlighting his strength across multiple paddling disciplines. These results reflect a well-rounded and high-performing season at every level of competition. |
| MASTER MALE SPRINT PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Master Male Sprint Paddler of the Year is Matthew Ingerman of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. Matthew Ingerman is a highly accomplished Masters sprint paddler who delivered an exceptional 2026 season across State, National, and International competition. With multiple podium finishes at State Sprints, GP2, and Nationals—including 1st and 2nd places at both State and National Championships—Matthew earned selection to represent Australia at the 2026 Masters Sprint Canoe Championships in Halifax, where he proudly contributed to the nation’s medal tally with a K2 Bronze and K4 Silver. A long‑standing leader within the Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club, Matthew trains year‑round at Tingalpa Creek and has coached for over 25 years, shaping and inspiring paddlers of all ages. His dedication, consistency, and commitment to both racing and coaching make him an outstanding figure in Queensland sprint paddling. |
| MASTER MALE MARATHON PADDLER OF THE YEAR |
| 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 2026 Paddle Queensland Master Male Marathon Paddler of the Year is David Lano of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club. David Lano delivered a season defined by consistency, determination, and race craft in Masters Marathon paddling. His strong second place at the QLD State Marathon highlighted his competitiveness, while standout club race performances—including victories at the Tingalpa Trot and Currumbin Creek Classic, a second at the Elanora Escape, and a third at the Indooroopilly Splash & Dash—showcased his versatility across courses and conditions. A committed athlete and a steady presence within the Masters race team of WRCC, David exemplifies dedication and excellence, making him a truly deserving recipient of Masters Marathon Paddler of the Year. |
| 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 recipients of the 2026 Paddle Queensland Award of Merit are: |
Joel Kenny
Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club
Joel Kenny has been an exceptional volunteer whose dedication has strengthened Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club and enriched the wider paddling community. Over the past year, he has secured vital funding through his grant writing, including winning the major grant for our new shed and personally investing countless hours into research, planning, and sourcing quotes. He is a constant presence at working bees, a supportive mentor who encourages new paddlers to step up and race at the QLD Sprint Championships, and a newly qualified Foundation Coach already making a meaningful impact through his guidance in the Lourdes Hill Paddle Program. As an active committee member, Joel brings enthusiasm, initiative, and a genuine passion for growing club membership and fostering a welcoming environment.
Paul Menhinnitt
Sunshine Coast SUP Club
It has been a fast and furious learning curve and could not have been possible with out the constant support and encouragement of the SUP clubs, Family and friends. The have all come on this journey with me and cheer, yes i can hear you on the water.
Paul Prior
Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club
Paul Prior has shown exceptional commitment to the Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club through his tireless volunteer work and hands‑on leadership in maintaining and improving our club grounds. He is the driving force behind many of our essential mini‑projects. His reliability, practical skills, and willingness to step in wherever needed.
Riley Scott
Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club
Riley’s achievements this year on the water have earned him a ranking of 11th in the World and being the best overall Individual Junior result at the recent Worlds held in Halifax Canada. Riley’s commitment both on and off the water are remarkable. His focus on nutrition, fitness and wellbeing has resulted in a year of success for such a young adult. Riley is a quiet achiever and demonstrates a drive that is second to none. He just gets the job done without any flare, or need for recognition. This is a very rare quality in such a young man who has achieved so much. The Club is very excited to Riley’s results in the second year of Under 18s. He will be more determined to improve on his already remarkable results.
Matthew Ingerman
Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club
Matthew Ingerman has been a driving force behind canoe sprint paddling in Queensland for more than 25 years. As Coach of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club, he has inspired generations of paddlers through his dedication, technical expertise and commitment to developing athletes of all ages and abilities. His leadership has fostered a positive and supportive club culture where individuals are encouraged to achieve their best, both on and off the water. In 2026, Matt’s contribution extended beyond his club as Assistant Queensland Coach at the National Sprint Championships, while also representing Australia with distinction at the ICF Masters Canoe Sprint World Championships in Canada. His achievements as both a coach and athlete, combined with his humility, generosity and unwavering support of others.
Juleena Dubyk
Kawana Waters Canoe Club
In her very first season competing in the C1 and C2 canoe disciplines, 13-year-old Juleena Dubyk has demonstrated exceptional dedication, determination and leadership. Training more than seven times a week, she has achieved outstanding success in both sprint and marathon racing, competing across multiple age groups and earning the opportunity to race in the Open Women’s C2 500m at the Australian Championships. A clear long-term goal drives Juleena’s achievements. She aspires to represent Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, and she pursues that ambition with remarkable focus and commitment.