Para-Canoe Squad

Social, Beginner, Competitive

At Hurricane, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment for paddlers of all abilities, helping them achieve their fitness, training, and racing goals. As we move into 2025, we’re excited to take the next step in our journey with the launch of our Para-Canoe Program.

Our goal is simple: to support paddlers at every level, whether you’re looking to make new friends, try canoeing for the first time, or compete in local or international ocean races. Our current focus is on supporting paddlers with physical disabilities, as we lay the groundwork for a fully adaptive program that is inclusive for all abilities.

Join Us for a Paddle! We train every Sunday at 9 AM, with a relaxed social coffee and chat afterward. Whether you want to join us on the water or simply drop by to say “Hi,” we’d love to meet you!

What our members say...

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚-𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐞, 𝐛𝐲 Mark Daniels
I first discovered Para-canoe at the age of 25 after competing in the 2018 Invictus Games. From the moment I tried it, I was hooked. Paracanoe turned out to be the most challenging yet rewarding sport I’ve ever experienced. It gave me a reason to get out of bed each day to train, helping me stay fit as an amputee while also supporting me through my mental health struggles.
 
For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of racing with the Australian Para-canoe Team, proudly wearing the green and gold while competing around the world. Para-canoe has opened up incredible opportunities, allowing me to train as a high-performance athlete while staying involved with the amazing grassroots paddling community here in Western Australia.
 
The Hurricane Paddling Crew has become like a second family to me, and we’d love to invite you to come and give paddling a try. Whether you’re dreaming of representing Australia one day or simply want to enjoy a leisurely paddle with a great group of people while watching dolphins, we’d be thrilled to have you join our community!
 
Mark Daniels – Australian Para-canoe Team Member

Accessibility Features
We’ve updated the club’s accessibility map, including designated ACROD parking (Cool Beans, 8knots, Hurricane Driveway), pathways, and photos of the club’s amenities.

Adaptations
We’re committed to making our equipment and facilities as accessible as possible.

Look out for a photo of Poonam’s paddle and Gary’s custom seat, coming soon!

What’s Been Happening

Open Day – 2nd February 2025
Our first open day was a huge success! We welcomed 15 paddlers with various disabilities, along with their families and friends, to experience the sport. Several participants caught the paddling bug and have since joined our weekly training sessions, becoming our very first Para-Canoe members.

Next Open Day: Early September (TBC)
We’re hosting our next open day in early September – come down and give outrigger canoeing a try!

GoTrax Matting – 23rd March 2025
Thanks to the generous support of Shell Energy, we’ve been able to purchase accessibility matting from Australian manufacturer GoTrax. The matting is lightweight and portable, making it easier for our para paddlers to move independently. It’s versatile, whether used as a long strip or in sections to cover large distances. Plus, it’s the perfect solution for our future ocean adventures!

Water Safety Day – 6th April 2025
Safety is a top priority for us, and our Water Safety Day was a great opportunity to test key skills. All members performed a yearly swim test and Huli drill (capsize drill). We focused on essential abilities like staying with the canoe, floating, propelling, lifting body weight, and executing a controlled flip. Everyone excelled, and it was a fantastic way to gauge individual self-rescue capabilities. Moving forward, these sessions will help our coaches assess safety needs and make any necessary adaptations.

Tai Paddles – 12th April 2025
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve received 8 brand-new Tai Paddles, generously donated by local Tai representatives Ivirua Ringia, Tairia Hutton, and Parata Reweti. With the club logo proudly displayed on the paddles, they will ensure our Para-Canoe Squad has access to top-quality gear without any extra costs for new paddlers.