Paddle WA is a sports club based in Perth, Western Australia, dedicated to promoting and supporting all aspects of paddling in the region. As the state sporting association, Paddle WA represents the entire paddlesports community and is affiliated with Paddle Australia, the national governing body.
The club consists of a team of knowledgeable staff, dedicated discipline committees, wonderful paddling clubs, committed volunteers, and experienced coaches. These individuals work together to ensure that members have access to competitive racing, recreational and social paddling, coaching, education and training, safety measures, and volunteering opportunities.
Paddle WA covers a wide range of paddlesports, including sprint, slalom, marathon, wildwater, paracanoe, ocean racing, canoe polo, freestyle, sea kayaking, stand up paddle-board (SUP), and other forms of recreational paddling. The club oversees several paddlesport discipline committees to ensure that each sport is well-represented and supported.
At the heart of Paddle WA are its paddling clubs, which offer inclusive and welcoming communities for members. Joining a club allows paddlers to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests and values. Paddle WA has a number of paddling clubs across Perth and the South West, each offering unique and exciting opportunities for members. All members of Paddle WA enjoy the reassurance of being fully covered with personal accident and public liability insurance.
Paddle WA also offers various education and training courses for both new and experienced paddlers. New paddlers can participate in the Basic Skills Course, a half-day introduction to paddling that teaches essential paddling strokes and safety. Experienced paddlers have the opportunity to take part in formal qualification courses through the Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme (PAQS). These courses cover instruction and assessment and offer qualifications for Supervisors, Guides, Instructors, Sea Leaders, Assessors, and Coaches.
In addition, Paddle WA operates the LiveLighter Paddle Academy, a programme designed for groups to learn paddling skills for recreational activities. The academy offers sessions for school sport classes, adults, and any other group that wants to develop their paddling skills. The programme focuses on team bonding, improved mental and physical well-being, and includes fun games and challenges suitable for all ages and genders.
For the latest news and updates, Paddle WA provides an online platform where members can access information about upcoming events, race results, and more. The club regularly celebrates the achievements of its members through the Paddle WA Annual Awards.
Paddle WA takes pride in its relationship with the paddling community and welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of the club's paddling community. The club is dedicated to being “With You On The Water” and strives to provide support, resources, and opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels and interests.