Lockdown has led to the Bayside Paddle Group being formed, to be a friendly place for locals to skill-share and celebrate members' paddling adventures on Botany Bay, and the Cooks and Georges Rivers.
The Bayside Paddle Group brings together people who use or want to use stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
The group is co-hosting a webinar on Thursday, September 9 to explore the tips and tricks of safe paddling in the area, with special guest Simon Wilkes who is President of the River Canoe Club at Tempe.
The River Canoe Club of New South Wales was founded in 1935 and is one of the oldest kayaking and canoe clubs in Australia.
Based in Sydney, close to Botany Bay, it's the premier recreational club in New South Wales catering for beginners, families and skilled kayakers.
The group was formed a few weeks ago by Heidi Lee Douglas.
"In lockdown the bike paths are overfull, but when you are on the water you have so much free air and space around you," Heidi said.
"It feels like the safest place to be, and the exercise, fresh air and sun is great for your mental health. I love discovering hidden treasures but also seeing my local area from a completely different angle and perspective," she said.
"I am only a novice paddler myself and I had so many questions about what was safe to do and what our local conditions are like. This group means we can share our local knowledge and empower people to enjoy this valuable local recreation activity safely. It's something that you can do alone or with others but also as a family. And it's a great way to teach children about their local area, water safety and environmental issues."
The webinar is Thursday, September 9 from 7:25pm - 8:30pm and is co-hosted by the Peaceful Bayside Action Group as part of its Visions of a Better Bayside event series. Tickets are free with registration through https://www.peacefulbayside.com/events.
