BERT Laurendet has been canoeing for more than 60 years — and he isn't ready to slow down just yet.
At 83, Laurendet is the oldest member of Sutherland Shire Canoe Club and he was crowned Australian champion in the MK1 80 division at the Canoe Marathon National Championships in Canberra in April.
Laurendet, who began canoeing in the early 1950s, said he had gained much enjoyment from the sport.
"I used to go camping when I was younger. There was only three canoe clubs in NSW then," he said.
"Some people like to climb mountains or whatever but people said this was easier. So I joined a canoe club."
Laurendet joined Sutherland Shire Canoe Club about 35 years ago and is now a life member.
"It's a good experience," he said. "We have about 60 members. Every Sunday we get about 30 or 35 down here.
"Some do touring, some racing, some ocean racing. Others do a bit of the white water rapids.
"We've got a lot of different ages. There are a lot of people over 70 in the shire that are involved in canoeing."
Laurendet said paddling and swimming were huge reasons why he had managed to stay fit and healthy.
"I do a lot of swimming as well," he said.
"When you're in the water your body weight is taken care of. It's very easy to sit in a canoe, easy to get your balance.
"With running, mother nature takes its toll a bit. With this, there's less impact on the body."
