“We were run off our feet, as we normally do, and in one way, it was good that it wasn’t much bigger because we’ll definitely need people to help us to run this if it gets much bigger,” Haussler said.

Saturday began with a community paddle on Lake Inverell and an afternoon of 200 metre sprint races, with teams from local businesses, individuals and organisations and a special junior race for Brighter Access young people. 

The event has drawn high praise from participants.

“The sprints over the 200 metres, that was just fantastic. 

“It was such a buzz to see that all these people on the lake and sprinting and competing in a very good spirit,” Haussler said. “People said they would definitely be back next year.”

Haussler was very proud of the Connections disability service team that took out first place in the 200 metre finals. Teenagers Joshua Beeton and Will Ryan were tied for first place in the 100 metre Junior Sprint.

Haussler said Sunday’s 23 kilometre paddle marathon on Copeton Dam on still water proved a challenge for some, but everybody completed it with a sense of achievement. Interest in the sport has spawned the formation of the Inverell Joeys Kayak Club, which met last night at the Inverell RSL Club. 

Haussler said discussion about future events, perhaps monthly sprints on the lake to learn more techniques was on the agenda. Haussler said he was approached on Saturday by several by people interested in taking the sport more seriously.

He felt kayaking was an ideal activity, because it was accessible to so many. He has had paddlers in their late 80s on the water.

“It is very, very good to gain a certain fitness level. 

“It is so good for your head, for the mind, to be out on the water. And the good thing, young and old can enjoy it.”

 For more information on the Inverell Joeys Kayak Club and future events, contact Heinrich Haussler on 0427 210 359.

RESULTS.

Inaugural Paddlefest 2015

200 METRE HEAT RESULTS

Heat 1 1st: LEGGS team 2nd: Printfresh team #1 3rd: Brighter Access Junior team #1 4th: Brighter Access Staff team #1

Heat 2 1st: Laser Electrical Team 2nd: Brighter Access Junior team #2 3rd: Brighter Access Staff Team #2 4th: Kate Auld Team 5th: Printfresh team #2

Heat 3 1st: Telstra Team 2nd: Connections Team 3rd: Printfresh team #3 4th: Brighter Access Junior team #3 5th: Dust Jacket Team 

200 METRE SPRINT FINAL RESULTS

1st: Connections Team: Sarah Woodhead, Glenn Dick, Michael Hutchen 2nd: Telstra Team: Courtney Pay, Tayla Dawson, Sam Baxter 3rd: Laser Electrical Team: Simon White, Trish Auld, Andrew Chatterton 4th: LEGGS Team: Janelle Moylan, Margaret Hewat, Maddie Ward  5th: Printfresh #1 team: John McGregor, Michael Thomas, Jason Nichols  6th: Brighter Access Junior team #2: Will Ryan, Nathan McCormack, Hayden Roughly  

JUNIORS 100 METRE RACE RESULTS

Equal 1st awarded to Joshua Beeton and Will Ryan 2nd: Bruce Goodworth-Bell 3rd: Nathan McCormack