The Indian Ocean Paddlers Club (IOP) is a prominent sports club located in Mandurah, Western Australia. Established in 2009, the club has been at the forefront of ocean paddling in the region and has witnessed the sport grow in popularity among people of all ages and skill levels.
The IOP offers regular paddling sessions on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings to prepare members for long-distance races throughout the season. After each session, participants gather at either the Sorrento Surf Club Café or Finns Café for a coffee and friendly conversation, often discussing their paddling achievements. During winter, the paddle times may vary, so members should stay updated through the club's website.
One of the notable events organised by the IOP is the 2023 IOP Summer Series. Registration for this series is currently open and participants can choose between a long or short course. The races start from Sorrento SLSC and cater to paddlers of all levels. More information about the series can be found on the club's website.
Additionally, the IOP provides important information about the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week. Interested participants should be aware that entries for the event will open on July 5, and The Doctor race on November 25 will be limited to 700 paddlers. It is crucial for participants to check-in at Rottnest Island by 10:00 am on race day to ensure a start. The race will commence after 10:00 am, provided that the wind conditions are suitable.
The club also mentions the possibility of winning a kayak every day during the Race Week, and highlights the upcoming ICF World Oceanracing Champs. Regular updates regarding the event can be found on the OceanPaddlers Facebook page.
For those interested in becoming members of the IOP, the club utilises a rolling membership system that lasts for 12 months from the date of joining or renewal. Membership fees are as follows: $110 for seniors (including $50 Paddle Western Australia fee, $40 Paddle Australia fee, and $20 IOP fee), and reduced fees for juniors (17 years or younger as of January 1). Individuals who are existing members of other paddling clubs only need to pay the $20 IOP fee to receive all the benefits of being an IOP member.
The IOP also emphasises the importance of insurance for its members. Being a member of Paddle Australia grants individuals insurance coverage for personal accidents and public liability, 24/7, worldwide. Detailed information about membership benefits can be found on the Paddle Australia website. To log in to the Paddle Australia platform, members will need their membership number and password.
In the case of forgotten login details, members can reset their password online using the “Forgot Password” link on the login panel.