The 2025 Wetlands Wander was held on Sunday the 25th of May on Nundah Creek by the Sandgate Paddling Club.
| In the early hours of Sunday morning 25th May, volunteers from Sandgate Paddling Club prepared to host the 28th Annual Wetlands Wander 2025. The WW race was first held on 18th July 1996. The event draws a wide range of competitors, from all over Southeast Queensland, who test their mettle in the safe, beautiful reaches of Nundah and Cabbage Tree Creeks. The Wetlands Wander attracts a variety of craft which this year included single and double racing kayak’s, touring kayak’s, ocean skis, SUP’s, canoes, and outriggers. In its traditional format, the Wetlands Wander consists of a 5km loop course which winds through the Boondall Wetlands. Paddlers can choose to compete over 5, 10 or 15km distances within their age and craft divisions. Wetlands Wander day is always great here – it’s when Sandgate Paddlers really get together as a Club. It was fantastic to have the support of volunteers from our Sea kayakers, Creekies and the fitness squad. On water Safety was led by Lachlan Carkeet who coordinated with Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane. VMRB assisted with water safety. Thanks to Duty Master Cameron and November crew. Other Club volunteers on Skis and Sea Kayaks were Ray Brandt, Brett McAleese, Claire Brereton, Jeff Sparkes, Chris Massingham, Kristi Smith, Simon Hedditch, patrolled the Nundah Creek straights. Also, Alana Bold and Neville Ford assisted us with safety and traffic control on the finish line in the main channel of Cabbage Tree Creek. Big shout out to Simon, who donated his time, boat and petrol to put out all the turn buoys and lane dividers and with the assistance of Lachlan and Wayne (Curly) who were integral as additional on water motorised safety. From a coordinators point, I have to say, this made for a very stress-free day for on water safety. This year, our Wetland Wander race was number two of ten for the Pacific Coast Marathon Championships (PCMC). The PCMC series is led by Scott Sharples from Paddle Queensland. Scott again kindly gave up his Sunday to be on hand and assist us where required. As usual, our race was the ‘BEST RACE EVER’, as all the previous race coordinators would say and this was again confirmed by FB and email messages to our Club, after the Event. A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and organising Committee Cassie Arnold (Secretary), Chris Girdler (Coordinator for setup/pull down), Brad Tims (Webscorer timekeeper) and Tim Cain ( BBQ coordinator) who helped make our event possible. Also, to all the Competitors, Coaches and families for their support. A big shout out to all who have generously donated their time and Prizes for this year’s event: • Glen from Aisle 5 Photography has provided a small sample of 42 photos from over a 1000 images that he has taken of Wetlands Wander race, (link to photo’s on SPC FB page: sandgate paddling club inc. – search results | Facebook ). If you would like to purchase any photos, please email glen@aisle5.com.au or contact him via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Aisle5Photography • John and Carol Murphy – , for donating an encouragement award of $400 for juniors. Which was divided up for Junior cash prizes. • Hon Anika Wells MP – Gift basket for Ladies winner of the Kimberley Cup • Cr Jared Cassidy – Lucy-draw Gift basket, Jared also came along and supported us on the day. • Hon Bisma Asif MP – Lucy-draw Gift basket. Wetlands Wander 2025 Race Results are up on Webscorer: Wetlands Wander 2025_Start_list | Race results | Webscorer Congratulations to the winners: 5km – 1st Male and Junior under 14, Sam Patel (32:42) and 1st lady Erica Salcedo (35:43) 10km – 1st Male David Leno (51:58) and 1st lady and winner of this year’s Kimberley Cup was Helen Chorley (56:24). 1st Male Junior under 16 – Archie Ray (55:58), 1st Female Junior under 16 Hannah Truscott (56:25) 15km – 1st Male Byron Dieckmann (1:11:41), 2nd and 1st Junior under 18 Jack Patel (1:14:59), 1st Lady was Lynda Deveson (1:39:03). Race Coordinator and Racing Rep Donna Wilson |
