As part of the Canoeing Victoria’s Women in Canoeing project supported by the Victorian Government – Sport and Recreation Victoria, Essendon Canoe Club hosted the first women’s social paddle on May 31st led by the fantastic ever cheerful Karenne Michaelides.
Karenne (along with 6 other female members) has recently completed her Flatwater Guide training as part of the project and implemented her new leader skills brilliantly.
There were a number of both sea kayaks and TK boats present with paddlers predominantly from Essendon with a couple of other women from other clubs such as Fairfield Canoe Club and Tarwin River Canoe Club. One lady drove about one and a half hours to be there!
A mix of previously competitive racing women and new paddlers came together for this paddle. It seems the opportunity to meet new friends, to enjoy a relaxed paddle on a new river and to be outdoors enjoying what the Maribyrnong has to offer, was enough to lure quite a number of women, some who hadn’t paddled in a long time. Like minded women supporting each other and out to enjoy each others’ company.
To top it off the paddle was followed by a most delicious afternoon tea consisting of a mix array of tasty homemade delights.
Well done Karenne. What an excellent paddle and afternoon tea. Thanks for putting in the order for a sunny day with a light breeze and little boat traffic and for getting us all together. You have set the bar high for other clubs to match your first paddle!
If your club is participating in the Social Paddle network the next paddle on the calendar is Saturday 19th July which should be an enjoyable paddle at Fairfield Canoe Club. Please come and join us, we would love to see you there.
This weekend's scheduled paddle at Blue Rock Dam has been postponed due to the weather – stay tuned for information on the new date for this great paddle.
If your club is not currently involved in the network, contact me (Jen) at the office to discuss how you and your club can become involved.
Any enquiries for the paddle at Fairfield please email Jen or for the proposed Blue Rock Paddle, please email Avenel
See you on the water!
Jen Stevens
