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21.01.2022 The Australian Marathon team gained some creditable results at the recent world championships in China. Four members of the team were from our near neighbors at Barwon Heads Canoe Club (as featured on the front page of the "Ocean Grove Voice".) Congratulations to Mick, Kate, Brendan and Maddie on their efforts. Results can be found on the Paddle Victoria Website.

21.01.2022 The "Murray Quad" multi-sport race is on again at the end of this month. It is based at Yarrawonga and is to be held on Saturday Nov 30th and Sunday December 1st. There are numerous entry options. See murrayquad.com.au Ralph of Bellarine Paddlers has competed in all of the Murray Quad races so far. This year he will tackle the "Murray Q Tri"(Paddle 25km, Spin bike 40km and Run 10 km). This probably means he is a little fitter (crazier?) for his age than average. However the Quad caters for people of all sporting abilities and is a friendly, well organised event. Paddling continues at Ocean Grove this Sunday.

21.01.2022 Footy seems to be dominating the news today. All the talk about Tigers and Giants must be a little disappointing for Cats fans. For those wondering what went wrong for Geelong here's a possible explanation: the last minute replacement for Tom Hawkin's was actually recruited from Bellarine Paddlers! The secretary was the only one available. However it soon became apparent he would be a liability on the field so he was sent up to man the coach's box! The players and fans then all deserted the stadium, so our secretary found himself warming the bench for the umpires!!! The good news is paddling will be on at Ocean Grove in the morning regardless of which team wins the Grand Final!

21.01.2022 Another perfect glassy morning on the river today, and Sunday looks like being pretty good too according to the forecast at https://www.windy.com/-38.270/144.530 - well worth bookmarking if you're looking to pick a good day for a paddle!

20.01.2022 Bellarine Paddlers use the old boatramp at the end of Guthridge St as a launching point. It's a popular spot for numerous activities. Recently the Geelong Cross Country Club shared the carpark for the start of an 8km run along the banks of the Barwon. Paddlers will be launching from this location (weather permitting!) again this Sunday.

20.01.2022 Jo and Ralph were both awarded with these trophies for their efforts in the "Echuca Mini" last weekend. (No, they are not wooden spoons!!!..they are mini canoe paddles.) Jo paddled the whole 50 km, while Ralph paired up with another paddler to complete the distance as a relay. Paddling will be on at Ocean Grove again this Sunday.

18.01.2022 Paddle Vic Marathon's Winter Series rankings currently has Bellarine Paddlers in 11th out of 21. This is pretty respectable given we only have a handful of representatives!!! Also, in doubles events, our paddlers often represent other clubs. The final race for 2019 Winter Series is the "Echuca Mini" on Oct 12. There are three distance options: 20km, relay (12+18+20km) or the full 50km. This may sound tough but keep in mind it is current assisted by the mighty Murray!!! It would be great to see some of our new paddlers having a go at the 20km or relay. See the Paddle Vic website for extra info. The pic shows Ralph paddling in a previous event on the Murray. It can be pretty sunny and keep in mind you won't be the only one wearing a daggy hat!!!

17.01.2022 Great to see some new faces on the river on Sunday morning. We're still paddling for the time being - seems like a pretty good way to do social distancing to me. :)

17.01.2022 Sunshine! After a few weeks of dodgy weather, Bellarine Paddlers made the most of a beautiful morning at Ocean Grove. All of these paddlers had a great time on the water, with some trying more challenging craft to test their skills. Even the seagulls seemed to be appreciating the great morning!!!

17.01.2022 When the tide is low our resident crocodile likes to sun himself on the banks of the mangrove channel. He's a little bit grumpy today because of the lack of sun in recent weeks, so approach carefully! Another rough windy day on the open river this morning, but a determined crew made it up to the creek and battled the breeze on the way home.

15.01.2022 We're having an impromptu meeting Sunday (yes, tomorrow) morning at 10am at Coast Watch after our paddle if anybody would like to come along.

14.01.2022 The "Murray Quad" is fast approaching! It kicks off with the Peaches and Cream Paddle featuring a "Le Mans" start from Thompson's Beach in Cobram. It's a two day event starting next Saturday. Paddling continues at Ocean Grove tomorrow morning.

12.01.2022 Congratulations to Coastwatch on completion of the extension on the shed. This will certainly boost their effectiveness in rescue operations. It should also be a benefit to Bellarine Paddlers' boat storage facility. Paddling will continue (weather permitting!) at Ocean Grove tomorrow morning.

10.01.2022 Spring is here and the mercury is gradually creeping up! We have had some glorious days this week. However the weekend is looking a little chilly. Whatever the weather though, Bellarine Paddlers morning tea will always be at cosy "The Groove" cafe on Sunday mornings!

10.01.2022 Bellarine Paddlers made the most of the spring sunshine this morning with a long paddle upstream. A strong breeze made it good exercise on the way up the river. The return trip was expected to be a cruise but the incoming tide made it just as tough! Fortunately the "Groove Cafe" had plenty of goodies awaiting the hungry paddlers!

09.01.2022 Pic is from the flyer for the "Echuca Mini" which is fast approaching (Saturday, October 12). It's a 50km paddle on the mighty Murray River from Barmah to Echuca. This year it is the final race of Paddle Vic Marathon's Winter Series. So far Jo and Ralph will be representing Bellarine Paddlers. As there is a relay category in which three people can do one leg each, it could be a good introduction to marathon paddling. Talk to Ralph at "The Groove" this Sunday if interested. PS Don't be put off if the paddlers in the photo look "elite"...not everyone is that speedy! (The fellow in the front seat will be representing Australia in China in the near future!!!)

09.01.2022 A sad day for the Bellarine Paddlers with the passing of our Vice President, coach, mentor, guide, croc wrangler, inspiration and friend Dave Renton. Dave was a founding member of the club and helped countless people take their first tentative strokes on the water. He was always first to offer to help, and never went looking for credit or recognition for the enormous amount of work he did for the community. We'll all miss his humility, kindness and generosity as well as his good humour on and off the water. A life well lived and an example to all of us. Rest in peace Dave, and sincere condolences to Lorraine and all of his family and friends.

07.01.2022 The 2019 Murray Quad was much enjoyed by a good number of athletes. It started on Saturday with a 25km kayak paddle from Cobram to Tocumwal and a 40km ride on spin bikes in Yarrawonga. This was followed on Sunday with a 21km run (mainly on the golf course) at Yarrawonga. There were numerous entry options with many choosing to focus on one of the legs. There was also a junior 2km run at Yarrawonga. Check out the event's facebook page for more photos and some spectacular drone ...footage of the Le Mans start!!! Bellarine Paddler's Ralph took on the challenge of completing the full event. While there were several much younger and speedy athletes, none were able to put together all three events. So when Ralph crossed the finish line (partly to his surprise!) he was announced as the winner!!! (The pic of Ralph is at Cobram prior to the start.) Organiser Tim Roadley and his crew are to be commended on once again putting on an outstanding event.

06.01.2022 COVID-19 Update - we're still paddling, under advice from Paddle Australia. Guidelines are: - If you are unwell or have a pre-existing condition, please give it a miss. - Hand hygiene is most important - Wash your hands before and after paddling with soap and water. If you have a bottle of hand sanitiser handy we would love you to bring it along (I would buy some, but it is like gold right now!). - Be careful if you need to cough or sneeze - into your elbow and make sure you... don't fall out of the boat while doing it! - Avoid touching your face and hair - Avoid close contact with others including personal greetings. Keep a safe distance, 1.5m or one paddle length at a minimum. If anybody gets closer you can whack them with your paddle and we will turn a blind eye. - Avoid touching other peoples equipment - we will attempt to ensure that the same people carry boats to and from the trailer, and we will come up with a solution to avoid handling PFDs. - Don't share drink bottles We're looking to minimise risks and ensure everybody can stay healthy and continue to have a fun time on the water.

06.01.2022 Today's lesson: If you are taking your phone with you on the water it is a good idea to store it safely in a zip-lock bag. It is an even better idea to ensure said zip-lock bag is sealed properly before you accidentally drop it in the river. No surviving photos from today , but a small group paddled into the mangroves and enjoyed the challenge of slogging back into the wind to get home.

05.01.2022 A couple more Quad pics. First is Tim, the organiser. (This fellow is a legend!!!) Second is Ralph of Bellarine Paddlers at the finish line of the 21km run. (If you look closely you will see the finisher's medal is actually a golf ball...half of the run course is on the fairways!)

05.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE - The recent Prohibited Gatherings Direction from the Victorian government prohibits social sport gatherings until at least the 13th of April. Unfortunately we will need to postpone our club paddles until further notice. Stay safe people!

01.01.2022 There have been several reports by paddlers of a crocodile lurking in the mangroves!!! Perhaps this sign (which was spotted in the Shell service station close to the river) should actually be placed at the river's edge? Could it be that this croc has a preference for German and Japanese visitors as part of the sign is in their language? Just in case this news makes you think twice about going for a paddle bear in mind: 1. The croc is not large 2. So far it has been content to watch paddlers glide by 3. Realistic rubber crocs were recently on sale at a gift shop in Barwon Heads!