Australian For Life

Australian Canoeing

Image courtesy of sportscene.tv

Could you be Surf Life Saving’s next kayaking Olympian?

There is a very successful history of athlete transfer between surf lifesaving and sprint kayaking. At the recent London Olympics Tate Smith (Northcliffe), David Smith (Warilla Barrack Point), Murray Stewart (Mnaly) and Jacob Clear (Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park) made history by becoming the first Australian team boat to win a Gold Medal in the K4 1000m.

Other surf athletes that have transferred their athletic talent from surf lifesaving to sprint kayaking and gone on to win an Olympic medal include Clint Robinson (Maroochydore), Ken Wallace (Tugun) and Hannah Davis (Glenelg).

Sprint kayaking is one of the best known and most popular of the canoeing disciplines. A highly challenging yet rewarding sport, sprint kayaking tests an athlete’s strength, endurance, coordination, and balance. 

Australian Canoeing (AC) has recognised a number of sprint kayaking squads around Australia as part of their National Elite Development Program (NEDP) and these squads will provide support to athletes that have been identified as potential Olympic Champions. The Next Wave will work with AC to transfer surf athletes directly into these squads.

Surf athletes that are already involved in sprint kayaking can still be selected into the NEDP through their performance at the AC National Championships and those at the top of their age group will be eligible to receive extra support through The Next Wave. 

Talent Identification Testing Sessions

 

Surf & Kayak Squads