is fast becoming a must do

for anyone with

a paddle-powered craft . . .

Blessed with an abundance of coastline and the greatest lake in Australia, people in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle have taken to the water like ducks.

On any given day the beaches, lake and river are dotted with people in kayaks, surf skis, row boats and just about anything else that floats.

To raise money for community projects, the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise has celebrated this love of all things paddled and rowed with Paddlefest for the past four years.

The festival held at Speers Point has grown from strength to strength.

In 2006 the first dragon boat race attracted about 200 competitors and to date the 2010 event has already drawn 550 participants.

This year the festival has also expanded with more events for individuals and teams, including the dragon boat battle, family kayak challenge, kayak and canoe races, open-water lake swim and outrigger canoe races.

There will also be on-shore team building activities, live entertainment, food and drinks and a mini trade expo.

Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise spokes-woman Keryl Fedrick said the organisation had created the event as a fundraiser for people to get involved in.

“This year the Paddlefest committee hopes to raise around $30,000, which will go directly back into the local community,” she said.

“About half of the money will go to Lake Macquarie mental health programs, and the other half to healthy lake programs.”

Ms Fedrick said the event had been particularly popular with the business community that use it as a team building exercise.

“The guys that were in it last year are back, and (one of the teams) Energise have been taking secret lessons (in the dragon boats) to try and win it,” she said.

Ms Fedrick said there were still places available in most events for the March 7 event.

For more information visit the festival website at www.paddlefest.com.au or phone Keryl Fedrick on 0421 041 987.