PARTICIPANTS in Paddlefest at Speers Point on Sunday helped the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise to raise more than $10,000 for the Cancer Council's Enrich Survivorship program and Hunter Melonoma Foundation.
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About 1000 people enjoyed the event, including more than 150 Cub Scouts who assembled and paddled canoes on the day.
Event organiser Pam Dean-Jones said the calm water conditions at the start of the day were a highlight.
“We had a beautiful start to the day – perhaps the best in years – with calm and sunny conditions to get things under way,” she said.
Many of the programmed events, including 70 kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders, contested their 5km and 10km races while the conditions were ideal, she said.
But conditions changed about 11am with the arrival of a strong south-easterly wind.
“After that, we had to cut the program shorter than we would have liked, so the Melon Splash missed out and we didn’t get to see the St Ayles skiff rowing alongside the outriggers,” she said.
The inaugural Melon Splash had been planned to feature a fun array of floating craft, including rubber duckies and pink flamingos, over a 100-metre paddle to raise funds for the Hunter Melonoma Foundation.
The Rotary club’s Graeme Hooper said a windy intervention had become something of a Paddlefest tradition.
“It wouldn't be Paddlefest without a south-easterly blowing up, and last Sunday was no different,” Mr Hooper told the Lakes Mail.
The wind created real problems for the dragon boat and outrigger races.
“The Anytime Fitness team won the dragon boat final,” Mr Hooper said.
Ms Dean-Jones paid tribute to participants for sticking it out.
“Despite the wind and chop, the Cubs got their amazing craft onto the water and also showed great spirit, paddling them as the boats flexed over the waves, all with big grins on their faces - even after a few got tipped in,” she said.
“We had plenty of feedback about what a good community day it is, especially from people paddling in teams in dragon boats and outriggers, and the Cub families.
“I’d also like to give a big thank you to the paddlers who come back every year to support Paddlefest. That includes a special mention for the Outrigger Canoe Club and their friends from local dragon boat clubs.”
She also praised the women from Dragons Abreast (breast cancer survivors).