YMCA Canberra – The Paddle HUB is a sports club located in Canberra, Australia. This club is part of the YMCA Canberra Region, which is dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Paddle HUB specifically focuses on providing recreational activities centred around kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
One of the unique aspects of The Paddle HUB is its commitment to supporting the broader community. The club has established a partnership with the CREATE Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. Through this partnership, The Paddle HUB offers transportation and paddle sessions to youth in foster care, kinship care, and residential care.
The annual Christmas Party hosted by YMCA Canberra includes a special gift for participants, which involves a paddle session at The Paddle HUB. This event gives young people who may not have the means or opportunities to engage in recreational activities the chance to enjoy Lake Burley Gryphon and connect with other youth and families in the Canberra community.
During their time at The Paddle HUB, participants learn basic skills necessary for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. They also receive valuable safety knowledge regarding the equipment and water hazards. The club's staff ensures that the experience is not only educational but also enjoyable.
The mascot of the CREATE Foundation, a purple sloth named Lilac, has also become a part of The Paddle HUB family. Lilac, who was gifted to the YMCA Canberra Team, has taken part in her first paddle session and has quickly become a beloved member of the club.
By providing access to recreational leisure activities and fostering connexions within the community, YMCA Canberra – The Paddle HUB is not just a sports club but also an organisation that prioritises the well-being and growth of its participants.