EO Update – August 2026
Hello paddlers,
August is shaping as another busy and important month for Paddle Queensland, with a strong focus on event delivery, club support, child safety, participation programs and future planning.
Following a productive July, it has been great to see the continued momentum across the Paddle Queensland community. July included the successful delivery of the Epic Kayaks Wave Break Island Challenge, the commencement of the Term 3 Ready.Set.Paddle program, the finalisation of the FY27 Events Calendar and Budget, and the continued development of the 2027 Paddlefest programs.
We also welcomed six outrigger clubs to Paddle Queensland: Fraser Coast Outrigger Canoe Club, Fraser Coast Red Dragons, Sandy Straits Outrigger Canoe Club, Queensland Outrigger and Canoe Club, Gold Coast Outrigger Canoe Club and WAVE Academy. This is an exciting step forward for the growth and connection of outrigger paddling across Queensland, and we look forward to supporting these clubs and their members as part of the wider paddling pathway.
On the events front, August includes the 2026 Paddle Queensland Ocean Racing Championships on the Sunshine Coast on 22 August. The event will provide an important state championship opportunity for ocean ski, SUP, outrigger and other ocean-capable craft, while continuing to build momentum for ocean racing across Queensland.
The Sunshine Coast Boardsports SUP Tri Series also commenced in August, with Round 1 held on 2 August. The series continues with further rounds on 27 September and 24 October, bringing together host clubs, paddlers and the broader SUP community across Queensland.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Paddle Queensland Annual Awards winners will be announced online on 1 September. The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the paddlers, clubs, coaches, officials, instructors, guides, volunteers and contributors who help strengthen paddling across Queensland.
The 2026 Paddle Queensland School Sprint Championships will follow on 8 September, providing another fantastic opportunity for school-based paddling. Following the success of the School Marathon Championships, we look forward to welcoming students, teachers, schools and supporters back for another great day of racing and participation.
Across our strategic priorities, work continues on club development, child safety and participation programs. The Child Safe Standards documents have now been finalised, with club training sessions underway to support clubs with practical guidance and resources. Work is also continuing on the National and State Club Map, Sport HQ Queensland and the Club Resource Hub to better support clubs with governance, administration and sustainable growth.
Planning also continues for a major 2027 event period, with the Paddle Queensland Paddlefest on the Gold Coast in May and the Paddle Australia Paddlefest on the Sunshine Coast in June. These events will be key opportunities to bring together paddlers, clubs, disciplines and communities across Queensland and Australia.
Thank you to our clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, partners and paddling community for your continued contribution. The strength of Paddle Queensland comes from the people and clubs who create safe, welcoming and enjoyable paddling experiences across the state.
To stay up to date on all things paddle, make sure you follow Paddle Queensland on Facebook and bookmark the events calendar.
Yours in paddling,
Scott Sharples
Executive Officer
Paddle Queensland