Paul O’Rourke believes going for a paddle is “a very Australian thing to do”.
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That is why he hopes Paddle4Good, an event he is organising to celebrate Australia Day in Newcastle, can become an annual tradition for the city.
“There was less things happening on the water on Australia Day and I thought there should be more,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“There are so many people I know who have kayaks, canoes or stand up paddleboards that just don’t use them, so this is a good excuse to get it out of the garage and have a paddle with a group of friends but not in an intimidating or competitive environment.”
The Across the Harbour Swim has long been an annual event on Newcastle’s Australia Day schedule but organisers announced this month it has been cancelled indefinitely due to safety concerns.
Mr O’Rourke believes Paddle4Good, a charity four-kilometre paddle on Newcastle Harbour, could fill the void left by the swim’s cancellation.
“If we can get 20 or 30 people out there this year then that is a good start,” he said.
“We want to make it an annual event for sure and have been talking to Newcastle City Council about that. Obviously the Across the Harbour swim is not happening any more, so this could be a replacement.”
Mr O’Rourke has been involved in water sports for over 20 years and organises the annual Sail Port Stephens.
“Fun on water” was the focus of the 4km community paddle starting from Carrington Beach at 9am. There will also be an 8km paddle at 8am.
The event is raising money for Hunter Medical Research Institute and is open to “anyone and everyone” who has a water craft.
“It’s just about being out there on the water with a group of people, enjoying it,” Mr O’Rourke said. “It’s good for yourself and good for the community.”
Registrations can be made online at paddle4good.com.au or at Carrington Beach on the day.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event “creates a wonderful backdrop and welcome addition to our celebration program in the Honeysuckle Precinct”.