The Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge will return in 2021. A signature event for East Gippsland and Victoria’s premier paddle event was cancelled this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, however planning has begun for its return next year. The inaugural event in 2011 had 30 starters.
It has since grown to become the largest multi craft paddling event in Victoria with more than 150 paddlers competing in recent years when a variety of crafts will power their way across Australia’ s largest inland waterway. “It truly is more than just a race, it’s an event that is capturing the hearts of all who participate,” organiser, Paul King, said. The challenge was to celebrate `A Decade on the Lakes’ in 2020. Crafts eligible to participate include surf skis, outrigger canoes, ocean racing skis, sit on top kayaks, Hobie kayaks, sea kayaks, stand up paddle (SUP) boards, prone paddle boards, canoes, surf boats, St Ayles skiff and coastal rowing. Online registration opens on February 1 and closes on April 28.

IMAGE: Paddlers ready to take off during the Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge in 2019. The paddle will return in 2021 following a COVID-enforced cancellation of this year’s event which would have marked 10 years. K563-75 (2019)