EO Update – May 2026
Hello paddlers,
As we move into the middle of 2026, the momentum across paddlesports in Queensland continues to build. What is becoming increasingly clear is the strength of our community, the diversity of opportunities emerging across all disciplines and the exciting future ahead as we continue delivering the Paddle Forward 32 strategy.
Since the start of the year, we have seen strong growth across participation, events and community engagement. Programs such as Ready.Set.Paddle and club-based beginner initiatives are creating more accessible entry points into paddling, while our State Championships and pathway events continue to provide high-quality opportunities for developing athletes and experienced competitors alike. Participation trends across memberships, events and programs continue to show encouraging growth, reinforcing the strong direction of paddling across Queensland.
The 2026 events calendar has delivered an exciting and diverse start to the year, highlighted by successful State and National Championship campaigns across sprint, marathon, ocean racing, canoe polo and SUP. It has also been fantastic to see strong club activation through events such as the Tingalpa Trot, Gregory River Canoe Marathon, Moreton Bay Ocean Paddle and community participation initiatives right across the state. Looking ahead, major events including the School Marathon/Sprint Championships, State Marathon Championships and the State Ocean Racing Championships continue to provide opportunities for paddlers of all ages and abilities.
Importantly, we continue to strengthen our athlete pathways. Selected Paddle Queensland Championship events remain approved under the Queensland Government’s Emerging Athlete Pathways (EAP) program, helping eligible junior athletes access financial assistance to offset travel and participation costs. Alongside this, our coaches, clubs and volunteers continue to play a vital role in supporting Queensland athletes competing on the national stage.
Off the water, significant work continues across governance, club support and long-term planning. The rollout of Sport HQ Queensland, Paddle Australia’s Club Resource Hub and Club Map initiatives are helping clubs and volunteers access practical resources to simplify administration, improve sustainability and strengthen local delivery.
One of the biggest strategic priorities currently underway is the implementation of Paddle Queensland’s new Discipline Technical Committee (DTC) framework across sprint, marathon, ocean racing, canoe polo, SUP, outrigging, sea kayaking and recreation. These committees will play a critical role in shaping participation, competition delivery, athlete pathways and discipline development into the future.
Expressions of Interest for DTC positions are now open and I strongly encourage members who are passionate about growing paddlesports to consider getting involved. The future success of our sport will be driven by the people within our community and this is an opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the next generation of paddling in Queensland.
We are also continuing to strengthen our broader strategic focus through infrastructure advocacy, digital engagement projects, child safe initiatives and planning for major future opportunities including the 2027 PQ Paddlefest on the Gold Coast in May and the 2027 PA Paddlefest on the Sunshine Coast in June. Together, these projects position Queensland strongly as a leading paddling destination nationally and into the Brisbane 2032 era.
Thank you to our clubs, volunteers, officials, athletes, coaches, partners and supporters for the energy and commitment you continue to bring to paddling every day. I encourage you to explore the opportunities highlighted throughout this edition, support your local clubs and events and continue helping us grow paddlesports across Queensland.
Here’s to more people paddling, more of the time.
Yours in paddling,
Scott Sharples
Executive Officer
Paddle Queensland