Her journey into paddling began unexpectedly, but it didn’t take long before she was hooked.
Paddle WA is excited to introduce Lily Farrell, one of Western Australia’s rising stars in Canoe Marathon.
At just 19, Lily has already represented Australia on the world stage, earned national medals, and carved out a reputation as a determined, hardworking and deeply passionate athlete.
We sat down with Lily to learn more about her story, her dreams, and her advice for paddlers coming up behind her.
What is your ultimate paddling dream?
My dream is to race amongst the best in the world and one day achieve World Champion in the Open Women’s Marathon.
Why did you take up paddling?
In high school, I began kayaking through our school program. In 2019, the WAIS Talent ID testing came to my school, my teacher encouraged me to try out – and I was selected. Little did I know then that it would take me to where I am today!
Training three times a week quickly turned to eight times a week. I left the other sports I was doing at the time, fitting in paddling before school, after school and on the weekends. I couldn’t get enough of it.
Although I began as a sprint athlete, roughly 2 years into my journey, I switched to marathon racing. Thanks to the help of a great coach, I progressed step by step from club races to local races, Marathon states and then my first ever Marathon Nationals in Geelong 2023.
The more I progressed, the more I fell in love with the sport. I continue to train as a marathon athlete, always working towards the next challenge.
What do you enjoy most about paddling?
There are too many things to choose just one!
I love the discipline of the sport- the learning, failing, and doing it all over again to get 1% better.
I love winter sunrises and starting each day surrounded by incredible athletes and genuinely beautiful people.
I love the effortless glide of Zone 2 training, and the burn of pushing my limits in VO₂ max efforts.
I love the community at training, and the competition on race day. The strategy of marathon racing – the portages, the wash riding and the constant decision making.
And I love knowing no matter what stage of my paddling journey I’m at, there will always be something to improve and endless opportunities to learn.
What benefits have you experienced from paddling?
Honestly, beyond the physical fitness I’ve gained from paddling, the biggest benefit has been a true sense of belonging.
I feel so lucky to train alongside such incredible and inspirational people. Listening to their stories, learning from their experiences and picking up little golden pieces of advice has been the best part.
Most mornings after training, the group sits together for breakfast. Sharing session highlights and statistics and celebrating every achievement, big or small. Being a part of that is something I truly look forward to and is so meaningful.
I think this sense of community is one of the greatest benefits and a huge part of why paddling in WA is so successful. It’s not just about physical fitness or personal growth, but about the people and the connections that make the journey so meaningful.
“Paddling is such a beautiful and unique sport and anyone who is interested should just start. The community is so uplifting and the opportunities the sport offers are something I wouldn’t wait another second to be a part of if I could do it all over again”.
Have you faced any difficulties while chasing your paddling dream?
Hahaha. Oh my gosh, there have been way too many to list!!
I used to get mad when my sporting journey didn’t look like a cheesy 80’s movie montage, where I do the training, I slowly get better, I have one big event where I fail, learn from it, come back stronger, and eventually become the best.
In reality, I’ve failed and fallen short of my expectations — and others’ expectations A LOT. I’ve had countless races that didn’t go to plan. I’ve fallen in more times than I’d like to admit and I’ve been overtrained, underprepared, or perfectly prepared – and things still went wrong.
In hindsight, I’m grateful for all the difficulties. I’ve had to learn to love the journey more than the destination. Every challenge I face only makes me stronger. I know what I want and I’m determined to get it. I don’t doubt that I’ll face many more difficulties as I continue my journey as a paddler, but I think that is the beauty of the sport
What is your advice to someone who wants to take up paddling?
Paddling is such a beautiful and unique sport and anyone who is interested should just start. The community is so uplifting and the opportunities the sport offers are something I wouldn’t wait another second to be a part of if I could do it all over again.
It won’t be easy at first – you will swim a lot and you’ll get frustrated, and you’ll have races that don’t go your way – but there’s an incredible sense of satisfaction from perseverance.
My three key pieces of advice?
- We are surrounded by absolute legends of the sport right here in WA, so be a sponge and soak up everything you can learn from them
- Don’t be discouraged when your pathway doesn’t look like someone else’s’, success doesn’t follow a single timeline. What matters is consistency, perseverance, and embracing your own growth
- Remember to have fun! Chasing your dreams is important, but enjoying the journey is even more rewarding. Celebrate the small wins and the good training sessions, progress comes easier when you love what you do.
Fast Facts: Lily Farrell
- Competing in the 2025 Canoe Marathon World Championships – U23 K1 and Open K2 at just 19 years old
- 1st Place – NZ & Oceania Championships U23 K1, and 1st Place – Open Mixed K2
- 2nd Place – PA Canoe Marathon Nationals in both U23 K1 and Open K2
- 2nd Place – Mixed K2 Avon Descent 2024
- WA Marathon Paddler of the Year 2024
Thank you, Lily, for reminding us of the heart behind the hard work. May the river ahead bring you growth, joy, and every opportunity you’ve worked so hard for!
Inspired?
If Lily’s story has you keen to get on the water, there’s no better time to begin. Local clubs near you offer beginner programs, junior pathways, and supportive communities to help you find your balance, and your passion. We also have our new Paddle Squad junior program starting soon so there’s never been a better time to come out and try paddling!