2025/2026 WA Sprint Pathways Squad (WASPS)
Paddle WA is proud of the work the 2025/2026 WA Sprint Pathways Squad (WASPS) group are undertaking.
The WASPS program is the state sprint kayak performance development pathway for athletes at an intermediate to elite level of performance, often between club level and WAIS level. Athletes selected for the WASPS have shown diligence in training, skills in managing life off the water (study, work, social) and perform at a level which shows potential for Asia Pacific rep teams, junior teams and/or under 23 teams.
Training & Support
In addition to their regular club and squad training, WASPS athletes complete:
- Thursday on‑water technical sessions led by Coach Nathan Vartesi, and
- Strength and conditioning training on Monday and Friday afternoons at WAIS under Coach Evan Dorr.
This enhanced training structure is designed to build technical precision, race‑ready fitness, and long‑term high‑performance capability.
Strong Performances at State Championships
The Squad performed strongly at the Paddle WA Canoe Sprint Championships on 30 January 2026, with WASPS athletes producing a series of standout performances across the weekend.
Several squad members will now head east to compete at the 2026 Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 2 in Sydney (13–15 February), as all athletes continue building towards a major highlight on the calendar – the 2026 Canoe Sprint National Championships, right here in Perth at Champion Lakes from 11–15 March.
We wish all athletes the very best as they take on the next block of racing and preparation.
Meet the 2025/2026 WASPS Squad
On‑Water Technical Coach: Nathan Vartesi
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Evan Dorr
Athletes:
- Hugo Marsden (U15)*
- Emma Jarvis (U16)*
- Ellie Neervoort (U16)
- Griffin Angelatos (U16)*
- Orlando Fonseca (U16)
- Noah Kelland (U17)*
- Camilla Barbi (U17)
- Alexander “Sasha” Small (U17)
- Alasdair Marsden (U17)
- Stella Dark (U18)
- Finnlay Caruana (U18)
- Zen Salisbury (U18)
- Lachlan Bean (U21)
- Adelaide Hilton (U21)
- Genevieve Stanley (U23)
* Denotes athletes new to the WASPS squad this season.
Our grateful thanks
Canoe sprint in Western Australia is proudly supported by the Government of Western Australia – Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS), and Healthway.