Paddle Queensland proudly congratulates the Queensland paddlers who competed at the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Ocean Racing Championships in Tasmania, with athletes delivering strong performances across a spectacular weekend of ocean racing competition.
Held on Tasmania’s stunning north-west coastline, the Championships showcased some of Australia’s best ocean paddlers competing in challenging and dynamic conditions, with the event highlighting both the depth of talent within the discipline and the unique adventure and community spirit that defines ocean racing.
Queensland paddlers represented the state with determination, resilience and sportsmanship, competing across a range of categories and distances while embracing the demanding open water conditions and world-class race environment.
2026 Queensland Canoe Ocean Racing Team
Dylan Askew
Mackenzie Hynard
Alex Woodhouse
Julian Norton-Smith
Jack Patel
Phoebe Woodhouse
Oz Bestel
Greg Powell
Dane Sloss
Linda Davis
John Lakeland
Michael Manton
Sue Beith
The Championships formed an important part of the national ocean racing calendar and also served as a selection opportunity for upcoming international campaigns, attracting many of Australia’s leading surf ski and ocean racing athletes.
Queensland competitors showcased excellent performances throughout the Championships, navigating challenging ocean conditions while demonstrating the endurance, technical skill and adaptability required for success in ocean racing competition.
Queensland Athletes Selected for Australian World Championship Teams
Paddle Queensland proudly congratulates the following Queensland athletes on their selection to represent Australia at the upcoming Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships:
U23 Australian Team
Dylan Askew
Open Australian Team
Mackenzie Hynard
Masters Australian Team
Todd Grace
Julian Norton-Smith
Greg Powell
Linda Davis
Selection in the green and gold is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, preparation and commitment shown by these athletes throughout the season. Paddle Queensland wishes all selected athletes every success as they prepare to represent Australia on the world stage.
Beyond the racing itself, the event celebrated the strong paddling community that continues to grow around canoe ocean racing, with athletes, volunteers, clubs and supporters contributing to an inclusive and highly supportive atmosphere across the weekend.
Paddle Queensland congratulates all Queensland paddlers who travelled to Tasmania to compete and acknowledges the commitment shown by athletes, families and clubs in supporting the continued growth of ocean racing pathways across the state.
We also extend sincere thanks to Paddle Australia, the organising committee, volunteers, safety crews and local supporters who helped deliver a successful Championships and showcased Tasmania’s spectacular coastline and paddling environment.
The continued growth of canoe ocean racing aligns strongly with the Paddle Forward 32 strategy, supporting participation opportunities ranging from community paddling experiences through to elite performance pathways toward Brisbane 2032.
Paddle Queensland looks forward to continuing to support the growth of ocean racing events and athlete development opportunities across Queensland and Australia.