Schedule
Everyone is welcome! Including beginners through to experienced paddlers. All sessions run by SLSA and Paddle Aus certified coaches.
Kayaks (K1, K2, TK1, TK2 and K4s) and spec skis (for surf lifesaving) can be provided including a trailer
Sessions advertised through our Facebook Messenger page (MP Paddlers). Text Jon Ford (0422 244 183) for queries.
WINTER
Monday/Wednesday/Friday kayak and ski at Martha Cove boat ramp. Finish time will be 7am and start time (advertised weekly on the MP Paddlers Facebook chat) between 5:40 - 5:50 depending on the length of the set
Beginner ski/kayak - Sunday 3pm on flat water or very small waves with varied location depending on conditions
Weekend downwinder - time and location depending on conditions
Every 4 weeks we will head to the National Water Sports centre for a 1000m, 500m and 200m time trial with a motor boat on the water to video technique. Then we’ll finish with a 2000m or 5000m race. Technical analysis for all competitors provided the following week.
To develop balance and racing skills in wind we will paddle in all but the most extreme conditions (aiming for no cancelled sessions). With the right gear we paddle as cold as 0 degrees. Consider these options (all Braca gear is discounted for MP Paddler members at https://www.xplorawatercraft.com/)
Braca spray skirt - with one of these you can paddle in shorts all season
Braca pogies - extremely light and not too hot. Best on the market
Vaikobi top - expensive but warm and breathable
Vaikobi long John - expensive but amazing in downwinders. So flexible yet warm
Vaikobi dry jacket - great for extra wind/cold protection in downwinders
SUMMER
Beginners ski and kayak Sunday afternoons around 3pm (location flexible). All equipment provided
Wednesday and Friday - 5.50am @ Martha Cove boat ramp
For members of a surf lifesaving club, sessions are available out of Point Leo SLSC on Monday (ski), Tuesday (board) and Thursday (transitions)'
UP AND COMING TARGET EVENTS
MP Paddlers will be supporting paddlers through coaching, training sessions and logistics targeting the following events
Surf lifesaving “Aussies” - 10 - 18 April 2027
Marathon events via Paddle Vic
17 May - Yarra River, Fairfield Park
14 June - Maribyrnong River, Essendon
15-16 Aug - Bendigo Cup
13 September - Echuca Mini
25 October - Yarra Doubles, Hawthorn
The following flat water sprint kayak events (dates to be determined)
Paddle Aus Grand Prix and National Sprint titles
Paddle Vic State Sprint titles
2027 ICF Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships for paddlers turning 18 in 2027 (or later)