2027 PA Paddlefest

The 2027 PA Paddlefest will bring together three premier National and Oceania championships in Canoe Marathon (N&O), Canoe Ocean Racing and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) within one multi-discipline celebration of paddlesport.

Hosted across Lake Kawana and the Sunshine Coast beaches, the festival will deliver nine days of elite racing, community events, training opportunities and coastal activations designed to grow participation, increase overnight visitation and showcase the region’s world-class waterways and outdoor lifestyle.

To broaden appeal and strengthen community engagement, the event introduces several new initiatives. A central Festival Hub will combine athlete services, merchandise, sponsor activations and local food vendors to create a vibrant and family-friendly event atmosphere. Community paddling and “come-and-try” sessions held throughout transition and rest days will encourage schools, residents and first-time participants to experience paddlesport in a safe and inclusive environment. Family and club relay challenges will further enhance participation and social connection across all ages and abilities.

Together, these initiatives position the 2027 PA Paddlefest as more than a championship event — creating a nationally significant festival that delivers lasting tourism, economic and community outcomes for the Sunshine Coast. By combining high-performance competition with inclusive participation opportunities, the event is expected to attract athletes, support crews, families and spectators from across Australia and Oceania, extend visitor length of stay and strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a leading destination for paddlesport, active tourism and outdoor adventure.