Sutherland Shire Canoe Club back in the water

Members of the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club joined forces on the Woronora River last weekend for another round of their 'COVID 20 Time Trial Series'.

The series is a heavily modified version of the Club's standard time trial series where competitors race against the clock over a five-kilometre stretch of the Woronora River.

The new-look competition was designed to comply with COVID-19 restrictions and replaces the original series planned for this year, hence 'COVID 20'.

Series organiser Bob Turner said in the initial stages of the restrictions paddlers were sent off in groups of no more than two at a time, with 15 minutes between groups.

"What normally took around 40 minutes before the coronavirus turned into an event that started at 6.30am and finished closer to 11.30am - or nearly five hours of commitment for those organising and timing," Turner said

Three weeks ago, the Club was able to return to normal Time Trial starts, where paddlers start at times based on their handicaps, as per their ability and previous results.

"That means a staggered start with the slower paddlers starting first and the fast paddlers as much as 20 minutes later," Bob says.

"The objective is to see as many paddlers as possible, crossing the finish line at the same time. With good handicapping, the last 100m of the paddle can be very competitive and very busy!"

Paddlers range from juniors through to masters up to 85+ years of age. The average age of paddlers is around 55, with a good representation of both male and female competitors.

Club president John Denyer says the virus has made the Club's usual racing and social activities a little more complex, but members are happy to abide by the new rules, providing they can be out on the water.

"We've embraced the need for social distancing. Paddlers arrive wearing their paddling clothes and must arrive only minutes before their allocated start time. Once they finish, they dry their boats and head straight home," he said.

"For the moment there is no use of the club facilities, nor is there any form of presentation or our usual social gathering post-race. We miss it, but everyone understands that's the way it has to be these days.

"We're still open to new members of any age, providing they understand the restrictions. Club membership is still a great way to meet like-minded people, get some exercise and have some fun."

Anyone interested in joining the club can find details on the website: shirekayaking.paddle.org.au