
Ascot Kayak Club, Fauntleroy Avenue, Ascot, Western Australia
10 – 13 April 2025
Welcome from Cassie Rowe, Member for Belmont, WA Legislative Administration
Nestled on a picturesque bend in the Swan River where it divides around Ron Courtney Island, Ascot Kayak Club continue to be an active and vibrant part of our community of Belmont, bringing together young and old with a shared love of paddle sports.
As the Member for Belmont, it is my very great honour to welcome competitors and spectators to the 2025 Australian Canoe Marathon Championships. I hope you’ll thoroughly enjoy our beautiful Garvey Park, the leafy beachside playground of the Belmont community, at this premier event on the flat-water marathon canoeing calendar.
Please accept my best wishes to all Championship competitors. May your dedication, perseverance and excellence be rewarded as you represent yourselves and your communities with distinction.
Cassie Rowe
MLA, Belmont
Welcome from City of Belmont Mayor Robert Rossi
I am pleased to welcome you to the City of Belmont for this year’s Australian Canoe Marathon Championships.
We are proud that our beautiful Garvey Park has been chosen as the setting for such an exciting event.
Events like this bring people together, showcasing not just athletic skill but also the unique opportunities our city provides.
Whether you are here as a competitor, supporter, or visitor, we encourage you to take the time to enjoy all the City of Belmont has to offer.
Robert Rossi
Mayor, City of Belmont

Acknowledgements
Paddle WA acknowledges the profound significance of the waterways that weave through this ancient landscape. From the rugged coastline to the countless rivers, lakes, and streams that sustain life throughout Western Australia, these waterways hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance.
We recognize the ongoing stewardship and custodianship of these waterways by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose traditional knowledge and practices have sustained these environments for thousands of years. We acknowledge the injustices of the past and commit to honoring and protecting these waterways, ensuring their health and vitality for generations to come.
May we always approach these waterways with humility, gratitude, and a commitment to reconciliation, recognizing their intrinsic value and the interconnectedness of all life that they sustain.
Our grateful thanks to all event officials, volunteers and venue host, Ascot Kayak Club.
To the Organising Committee, we extend our heartfelt thanks for delivering such an incredible event. Your dedication, expertise, and collective insights have made this achievement possible. This event stands as a shining example of the power of community and the generosity embodied in the spirit of volunteering.
This year, we are grateful to have received funding support from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture (DLGSC), Healthway, the City of Belmont, and Perth Airport. We sincerely thank them for their ongoing commitment to paddling and their invaluable support for this event.
⚠ Important notice ⚠
There will be NO LIVE STREAMING at this event. Please ignore any social media scams offering this.
Ensure you are following our official Facebook site for updates.
Contents
Click to expand
Venue
Timetable

Note Swan Valley wine cruise ferry times:
Day | Upstream | Return |
Thursday | No ferry | No ferry |
Friday | 11.40 | 15.30 |
Saturday | 10.40 | 12.30 |
Sunday | 11.40 | 15.30 |
The Timetable is set such that the Ferry will come through during a warm-up period. The next race will not start until the Ferry is clear of the course.
Race distances and classes
The Long Course consists of multiple long laps (3.5 km each) followed by one short lap (1 km), with portage for ICF craft in designated classes. General, para & V65+ classes do not portage.


Notes:
- UC=Unrestricted canoe, *** TC = Touring Canoe, seated single blade
- Every race includes one 1km Short Lap to be added to the Long Laps
- W = Women, M = Men, X = Mixed W/M
- ICF classes:
- C=ICF Canoe, K=ICF Kayak, Para (VL, KL).
- Anyone can paddle in the ICF class events.
- Paddlers in ICF craft seeking Australian team selection (including Masters up to age 64) must paddle ICF class.
- U16 seeking Australian team selection must enter as U18.
- General classes are open to ALL BOAT TYPES.
- Same distances for singles and doubles.
- No portage for General classes (even if paddling ICF K or C craft). No portage for Para class. No portage for 65+.
- 10-year age groups for Masters, unless sufficient numbers to constitute both 5-year sub-groups (i.e. 3 or more paddlers).
- Separate classes for TC and C/UC assuming sufficient numbers for contested classes for both.
- Non-Championship Two-Lap: This race is for people who would like to race on the course but not in a Championship event. Entrants in this will paddle two laps and will be awarded WA Medals on Championship lanyards. There will be three classes: Junior [U18], Senior [19 to 49] and Masters [50+]. Participants can enter in a Single or a Double.
- U10/U12: Participants can enter in a Single or a Double.
Long Course

The start line is between the Ascot jetty and the witch’s hat on the other side. The start is in the upstream direction. The finish is also in the upstream direction.
Course Compliance Notes [see course map]:
- Long lap in Green, Short lap in Red.
- All course options contain ONE SHORT LAP & a number of LONG LAPS [depending on Class] See “Race Distances & Classes” section for details of number of Long Laps and Portages.
- ONLY pass through the finish line buoys when finishing [30s penalty].
- Go to the right of all red buoys on the course [15s penalty].
- Go to the right of the red spit post upstream of the start in both directions [15s penalty].
- Go to the right of the orange mooring buoy at the top of the island except on final short lap [15s penalty].
- Go to the left of the yellow buoy in front of the jetty [15s penalty].
- Upon finishing, paddlers should remain in the holding area in the middle of the river, upstream from the finish line. Once there is no race traffic, paddlers will be marshalled to the landing area (upstream of portage) to disembark and proceed to scrutineering, if required.
Short Course
The Short Course consists of three (3) short laps of approximately 1.1 km each, with a total race distance of 3.4 km. Portage is approximately 120m in length.

The start/finish line is at the jetty at Ascot Kayak Club. The start is in the downstream direction and is a line between the jetty and the witch’s hat on the opposite bank. The finish is in the upstream direction [between the two red buoys]. Paddlers must only pass through the finish line buoys when finishing their race. Paddlers must keep the coloured buoys along the course to their left.
All ICF class paddlers must portage twice, at the end of the first and the second laps (with the exception of Para and V65+ classes, where there is no portage).
Upon finishing, paddlers should remain in the holding area in the middle of the river, upstream from the finish line. Once there is no race traffic, paddlers will be marshalled to the landing area (upstream of portage) to disembark and proceed to scrutineering, if required.
Short Course Classes & Distances

Notes:
- W=Woman, M=Man, Para=Para
- C=Canoe, K=Kayak, Para=Para
- To be eligible for Australian Team selection for Short Course you must race in the OPEN age category.
Registration and Entry Fees
Registration
To register online visit:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?pid=1&raceid=354034
Early Bird Entries available until midnight 28th February 2025 [Perth time]
Standard Entries available : 1st March-31st March 2025
Late Entries only if necessary : 1st April-4th April 2025
All entries close at midnight [Perth Time] on 4th April 2025.
No registrations after 4th April 2025.
Please minimise changes!
Participants are urged to be very sure about their plans prior to registering and to only register on the basis that no changes will be required. In particular, participants should be certain as to whether they plan to do ICF or General, they should be sure of their doubles partner before entering and they should take care to enter in the correct gender class.
Change Management:
All changes have to be communicated through the State Team Leader and will be processed on Fridays in March and more frequently thereafter.
Entry Fees
AGE GROUP | EARLY BIRD FEE Closes 28 February 2025 | STANDARD FEE Closes 31 March 2025 | LATE FEE Closes 8pm 4 April 2025 |
Up to 12 years (1 event) | $50 | $50 | $50 |
Up to 12 years (2+ events) | $70 | $70 | $70 |
13-18 years (1 event) | $70 | $110 | $140 |
13-18 years (2 events) | $90 | $130 | $160 |
13-18 years (3+ events) | $105 | $145 | $175 |
19-64 years (1 event) | $90 | $130 | $160 |
19-64 years (2 events) | $115 | $155 | $185 |
19-64 years (3+ events) | $130 | $170 | $200 |
65 years and older (1 event) | $70 | $110 | $140 |
65 years and older (2 events) | $90 | $130 | $160 |
65 years and older (3+ events) | $105 | $145 | $175 |
Note: Fees are based on the competitors age as of 31 December 2025.
Refunds and Event Cancellation
Refunds
Refunds will be given in accordance to Paddle Australia’s Refund Policy (2020)
Event Cancellation
If required, notice of event cancellation will be given to competitors via the email address supplied upon registration and will be made no later than Tuesday 1 April 2025.
Amalgamations
Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Competition Rules (2020) state that:
- Where there are not sufficient entries or starters to contest a certain event, competitors can be moved into a relevant event.
- Juniors (18 and under) will not be amalgamated.
- Masters age groups will not amalgamate any further than ten (10) years and not change distance unless agreed by the competitors.
A contested class is a minimum of three (3) entries and two (2) starters.
Masters will be initially allocated 10-year age groups. These may be split into 5-year age groups if there are at least 3 paddlers in each class.
Rules and Policies
- ICF 2025 Rules: https://www.canoeicf.com/rules
- International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon Competition Rules (2023): https://www.canoeicf.com/sites/default/files/2025_icf_competition_rules_marathon_final.pdf
- International Canoe Federation SUP Rules: https://www.canoeicf.com/sites/default/files/2025_icf_sup_competition_rules_final.pdf
- Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Competition Rules (2020): https://paddle.org.au/paddlesports/canoe-marathon/#rules
- ICF Paracanoe Rules: https://www.canoeicf.com/sites/default/files/2025_icf_competition_rules_paracanoe_final.pdf
- Paddle Australia 2024 Australian Canoe Marathon Team Selection Criteria Supplement (2024): To be added
For a full list of policies visit:
- Paddle Australia Document and Policies Page: https://paddle.org.au/about-us/documents-policies-and-bylaws/
Personal Safety Equipment
Life Jackets / PFDs
Participants 14 or older, and can swim 50 metres, are exempt from wearing a life jacket.
Participants under 16 and exempt from life jacket must have written parental or guardian consent.
Competitors who are not strong or confident swimmers are recommended to wear a life jacket.
All competitors must have access to a life jacket in case the Competition Committee direct them to wear life jackets.
It is the responsibility of State associations to test and confirm that paddlers can swim the 50m and to ensure that for paddlers 16 or below that the parents/guardians confirm with the organisers, in writing, that paddlers qualify not to wear a life jacket [if they do].
Note: Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable due to the need for the paddler to be conscious to activate the life jacket and for the need for annual testing to ensure compliance.
LIFEJACKET TYPES |
Lifejackets come in a variety of types with different characteristics and are also referred to as PFDs (personal flotation devices) |
Type 1 – Level 100 Lifejacket |
A lifejacket Type 1 provides a high level of buoyancy and keeps the wearer in a safe floating position. They are made in high visibility colours with reflective patches. ![]() |
Type 2 – Level 50 Lifejacket |
A lifejacket Type 2 is a buoyancy vest. It provides less buoyancy than a lifejacket Type 1 but sufficient to keep you afloat. ![]() |
Type 3 – Level 50S Lifejacket |
A lifejacket Type 3 is a buoyancy garment. It has similar buoyancy to a lifejacket Type 2 but is manufactured in a wide variety of colours and is shaped or equipped for particular activities. ![]() |
SUP Leash
All SUP competitors are required to have access to a leash to attach the athlete to their board. Competitors may be required to use the leash during events, depending on weather and/or river conditions.
Volunteers
We are seeking race officials and volunteers to assist in a variety of roles throughout the championship event.
All volunteers will be provided with a drink and food voucher each day a hat and a long-sleeve tee shirt 😀
Volunteer positions include:
- Safety boat driver
- Safety boat crew
- Check-in & boat numbers [Rego desk in WA parlance]
- Portage
- Turn buoy
- Time keeping
- Time keeper’s spotter
- Raft marshal/Boat Control
- Course umpire
- Scrutineering
- Traffic warden
- Pedestrian management
- Event setup / set-down
To understand the detail of volunteer roles and to register as a volunteer, visit: Link to be added soon.
Also, if you entered to race you or your support crew can register to volunteer as part of your race registration.
Location Plan

Paddlers’ Compound
This will be a fenced compound containing kayak racks, toilets, changing tents and drug testing facilities
Secure Boat Storage
Secure overnight boat storage will be provided from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th April.
Vendors Tents
Will be set up in a line between the Paddlers’ Compound and the river
Paddlers’ Tents [State Teams]
Welcome to set tents up in a line between the Vendors’ tents and the river
Merchandise
Will be situated at one end of the Vendors’ Tents
Food
In addition to Swan Café, there will be an additional outside food outlet as shown
Club House
Access to changing rooms and showers is limited to U18s and Ascot Members. Upstairs will be the hub for PA and race officials. The timers will be on the balcony.
Finish Line
Will be in the middle of the river. Paddlers must remain in the middle of the river until they are instructed to move to the side, after which they can cool down in the slalom course and then exit via the pontoon.
Boat Weighing
Will be to the left on exiting the river.
First Aid and Muster Point
Please take note of these two key positions.
Boat Storage
Secure overnight boat storage will be provided from Tuesday 8th to Sunday 13th April
Parking
There is ample parking onsite at Garvey Park with an overflow carpark in use during the event.
Medical and anti-doping
Chemist
First Aid
A First Aid station will be available at the venue.
If you wish you may provide information that might assist medical personnel in an emergency. This information will be returned or destroyed after the event.
COVID-19
The event will operate under the Paddle WA Marathon COVIDSafe Plan.
Do not attend if you have symptoms, are unwell or are required to isolate.
Observe face covering, cough etiquette, physical distancing and personal hygiene measures.
Anti-Doping
Competitors, officials, volunteers and support persons must comply with Australian National Anti-Doping Policy:
All participants Seeking Selection need to complete the following courses on the SIA eLearning site:
- Anti-Doping Fundamentals
- Annual Update [relates to Anti-Doping]
- Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport Induction
Link to Sport Integrity Australia E-Leaning Site:
Food
The Swan Cafe at Garvey Park has a delicious selection of healthy meals and snacks. Various food and coffee vendors will be onsite during competition days from Thursday 10 April to Monday 14 April.
Accommodation
The following table summaries a number of accommodation options with links.
Prices may change at the discretion of the supplier.
Establishment | Link |
Perth Central Caravan Park | Perth Central Caravan Park |
Photos Central Caravan Park | |
Quality Hotel Bayswater | Quality Hotel Bayswater |
IBIS Budget, Perth Airport | IBIS Budget Hotel, Perth Airport |
ALOFT Hotel | ALOFT Hotel |
Country Comfort | Country Comfort |
Assured Ascot Quays Aptmts | Assured Ascot Quays Apartment Hotel |
2BR Beach House Midst the Suburbs | 2BR Beach House Midst the Suburbs |
Swan Retreat – 2 bedroom | Swan Retreat – 2 Bedroom/modern interiors/views |
Belmont Comfort: Central & Light-filled Stay | Belmont Comfort, Central & light-filled stay |
The Nordic Nook: A Relaxed Redcliffe Stay | The Nordic Nook: A Relaxed Redcliffe Stay |
Casa Toucan – 2 bedroom apartment close to airport | Casa Toucan – 2 bedroom apartment close to the airport |
10 Majestic Maylands 4BR_Walk to River! | 10 Majestic Maylands 4BR_Walk to River! |
Local Surrounds
Paddle WA is delighted to be holding this event. We are hoping to see a healthy number of competitors from interstate.
The event will be held at Ascot Kayak Club, Fauntleroy Avenue, Perth WA 6104. The location is close to Perth Airport and to Great Eastern Highway, which is lined with a number of restaurants, motels, hotels, & serviced apartments. There is a large caravan park very close by.
The kayak club is 13km from the centre of Perth and 30km from Fremantle and various ocean beach options.

Map of Ascot Kayak Club and Surrounds:
See below a map showing location of the kayak club and the airport, key local accommodation options, transport details, shopping, cafes etc.

Uniform
Canoe and kayak competitors must wear their club or state uniform during their events and at medal presentations.
SUP competitors are strongly encouraged to wear their club or state uniform during their events and at medal presentations.
Merchandise
Three items available:
- Event Long Sleeve Tee Shirt = $55
- Light-weight zip-up Fleece = $75
- Cap = $15
WA paddlers can also purchase uniform:
- Paddle WA Long Sleeve = $60
- Paddle WA Singlet = $50
See images below for merchandise and WA uniform:
These items will all be available on the KC Australia online shop. Select this link below:
https://shop-kcaust.com.au/pages/canoe-marathon
Note that if stock is exhausted, you may not receive your order ahead of the Championships. The order will still, however, be completed and the order can be collected or shipped when it arrives.



Medals
Medals will be awarded as per the Paddle Australia Competition Policy, Section 9-Awards.
Medals will have lanyards labelled to reflect that they are being awarded for Paddle Australia 2025 Canoe Marathon Championships.
Podium paddlers in the Non-Champ Two-lap Race will receive WA Medals with Championship lanyards.
Trophies
Several trophies will be awarded at the event. These are detailed in full in the Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Competition Rules.
Frank Whitebrook Trophy
The Frank Whitebrook Trophy, first presented in 1984, is awarded to the state or territory who amass the most points over every race during the event.
Halford Challenge Trophy
The Halford Challenge Trophy, first presented in 1998, is scored across international boat classes in both men and women in the Open, Under 23, Under 18 and Masters 35 classes. Each state or territory Team Leader must nominate two (2) boats in each of these classes to be considered for the award.
Coulthart Trophies
The Coulthart Trophies, first presented in 1991, are awarded to the best performing Under 16 male and female paddlers across both classes.
Child Safeguarding
Paddle Australia has a zero-tolerance policy to child abuse and neglect in any form.
Paddle Australia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in paddling by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in paddling is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after children.
To view the Paddle Australia Child Safeguarding Policy and other National Integrity Framework policies go to: https://paddle.org.au/sport-integrity/
All volunteers at this event will be required to have current Working with Children certification
Sustainability
The sustainability of the environment is a key issue for all paddlers. That is why Paddle Australia work to advocate with local, state, and federal government to ensure that the quality of the water we paddle on, and the outdoor environment we all enjoy, is maintained, and improved.
Recycling bins will be provided for the event.
There will be a hydration station for paddlers, spectators, and volunteers to use. So, bring along your own water bottles and drink systems.
Organization Plan and Contacts
RACE OFFICIALS | NAME/S |
Chief Official | Jerry Dunn |
Deputy Chief Official | John Young |
Chief Course Umpires | Sue O’Rourke / John Young |
Safety Officers | See below |
Chief Finish Line Judge | Bob Turner |
Chief Portage Official | TBA |
Competition Manager | Doug Hodson |
TEAM LEADERS | |
VIC | TBA |
SA | TBA |
WA | Derek Cross |
QLD | Kim Ankenbauer |
NSW / ACT | TBA |
Organising Committee
Contact: marathon@paddlewa.asn.au
ORGANISING COMMITTEE | NAME |
Project Coordinator | Doug Hodson |
Grants, Media, Marketing | Leanne Hampson |
Approvals | Doug Hodson |
Registration | Ray Smith |
Finance & Registration Assistance | Martin Watson |
Course | Terry Bolland |
Portage | Warren Southwell |
Paddlers Compound | Peter Martin |
HSE | Kate Martin |
Food | Joe Dowse |
Vendors & Sponsorship | Brett McDonald |
Volunteer Coordinators | Anita Haarmann Veronica Haarmann Sarah Major |
Signage | Steve Bolger |
Support Boats | Warren Southwell |
Radios | Chris Hollier |
Photography | Adam Crane |
Competition Committee
The Competition Committee consists of the Chief Official, Chief Course Umpire and Safety Officer.
Additional Accredited Officials:
The following WA-based individuals are now accredited officials and will be deployed as Safety Officers and Relief Course Umpire and Relief Competition Manager from time to time during the event:
- Martin Watson
- Richard Molek
- Peter Douglas
- Warren Southwell
In emergency situations call: 000
if you have any questions, please contact Doug at marathon@paddlewa.asn.au