ABOUT 40 Ocean Grove locals glided onto Barwon River recently for the Bellarine Paddlers’ first-ever open day.
Paddlers secretary Ralph Wright said group included people of varying levels of skill, including a mother and son, did “really well”.
“It was terrific to see people of all ages daring one another to tackle something new,” Ralph said.
“One fellow with a significant physical disability was determined to stand on a stand up paddle. With a little persistence he managed it and was rightly proud of himself.”
Participants tried “every imaginable type of paddle craft”, including private and club boats, and a fleet of canoes provided by two club supporters.
Club president and champion canoer Terry Poole attempted to apply his paddling prowess to a stand up paddle.
“Despite attempts to instruct him on the finer points he launched himself to the task, only to promptly back flip from the rear of the board,” Ralph said.
“Happily, none were laughing louder than Terry himself.”
The event took place on the Ocean Grove side of Barwon River on 23 April. Ralph said the club was planning another open day in spring.
