Paddle WA is thrilled to congratulate Dean Gardiner on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dean’s outstanding service to ocean sports and his unwavering commitment to the community.
An inspiration to us all.
A true pioneer in ocean paddling, Dean has been at the forefront of the sport for over three decades. As the founder and Managing Director of Oceanpaddler Pty Ltd since 1993, and the visionary behind the Australian Ocean Racing Series and the iconic Doctor race from Rottnest Island to Sorrento, Dean has played a pivotal role in shaping the ocean paddling landscape in Australia and beyond.
A champion of the waves
A world-class athlete in his own right, Dean is a nine-time winner of the prestigious Molokai Challenge in Hawaii and was crowned World Oceanpaddling Champion in 2004.
Dean is arguably the best ocean racing paddler Australia has produced, and is a proud Paddle WA 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the 2023 Paddle Australia Services to Paddling award, and the 2021 Joe Glickman Award.
His legacy as both a competitor and a leader continue to inspire generations of paddlers.
Dean Gardiner’s OAM is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of dedication, innovation, and excellence in ocean paddling.
Congratulations, Dean!
📷Paddle Australia.com