We are holding a fun Winter Solstice event on Saturday 21 June to help fundraise for member Thomas Russell who is off to compete in the upcoming ICF Junior Sprint World Championships.

Paddlers of all abilities are welcome. The Challenge takes on a relaxed, fun environment.

Date: Saturday 21 June, 2025

Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm

Where: Geelong Canoe Club, Balyang Sanctuary, 1/11 Marnock Road, Newtown

Cost: Free to take part, but donations will be accepted on the day by card or cash. Below are the suggested amounts if you are in a position to donate:

• Senior: $20
• Student: $10
• Junior: $10

How to make a tax deductible donation: Thomas is approved to raise funds through the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) so anyone can support him through the ASF website: https://asf.org.au/preview/thomas-russell

The funds raised will be combined with a donation from the Club to Thomas Russell to assist with the cost to travel and compete at the 2025 ICF Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships in Portugal in late July. Thomas is a young GCC member who trains out at Colac, following a program written for him and delivered remotely by GCC member Sean.

Race details

• Our regular Paddle Pursuit is being converted into a 5km relay event based on the new ICF junior relay format, with the addition of a very short portage.
• The idea is for mixed seeded teams to try and end up with a close finish, just like in our regular Paddle Pursuits. Each team (2-5 paddlers - to be determined on the day) will have to complete five laps of the 1km course (from the buoy downstream of the Club to the Shannon Avenue bridge coloumn), including four portages at the end of laps 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• Teams can decide the order of their paddlers. Boat changeovers will occur during the portage: K1 and light craft will swap at the top of the hill, while heavy or shared boats will swap at the dock.
• A map of the course is below.

Morning tea will be provided by the Club after the challenge.