Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club – Safety boat motor replacement
Grant Amount: $3,500 (September 2024)
Impact: 200+ paddlers trained safely, 24 elite juniors supported on pathway to 2032 Olympics.
The Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club has been at the heart of river sports in our region for decades, operating from their base on Fisherman’s Road with easy access to the Maroochy River. With programs running up to four times weekly, they welcome everyone from complete beginners trying paddling for the first time, to elite athletes training for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. But when their aging dinghy motor began failing mid-river, the club faced the challenge of maintaining safety and coaching excellence without emergency funds for replacement.
The club’s dinghy serves as both a coaching platform and emergency rescue vessel, accompanying paddlers during training sessions and races. For their 37 junior members, 24 of whom are on elite pathways through programs like “You for 2032” and the Queensland Academy of Sport, the presence of a reliable safety boat means the difference between confident training and compromised preparation. These dedicated young athletes train even through cold, dark winter mornings, supported by a unique coaching structure: one coach in the dinghy providing real-time technique feedback, plus two on-water coaches paddling alongside.
The Challenge That Nearly Sank Their Programs
As a not-for-profit reinvesting everything into community programs like Come and Try sessions, Women on the Water, and school visits, the club had no reserves for emergency equipment replacement. The failing motor posed multiple risks: potential mid-river breakdowns during rescues, inability to keep pace with faster paddlers, and engine noise so loud that coaches had to shout instructions, disrupting the learning environment.
The Buderim Foundation’s $3,500 grant in September 2024 funded a new, reliable motor with electronic start and dramatically quieter operation. The upgrade meant coaches could provide clear, calm instruction while maintaining the ability to respond instantly to any safety situation.
What Our Community Says:
“As a club, we’re responsible for over 200 members who trust us with their safety on the water. When our old motor started failing during training sessions, I’d worry about what could happen if it the motor cut out during an emergency. We’re a not-for-profit—every dollar goes back into our programs, so finding money for a new motor required additional support and we were the grateful recipients of a Buderim Foundation grant. Now when I watch our juniors training in the early morning, pushing themselves toward their Olympic dreams, I know we can keep them safe. This motor isn’t just equipment; it’s peace of mind for every parent who trusts us with their child.” — Delia West, Club Representative
“I coach 24 elite juniors who are up before dawn, training in the dark and cold because they dream of representing Australia in 2032. The old motor was so loud I’d be shouting instructions over it. Worse, it was becoming unreliable and twice last winter it failed when I needed to reach a paddler. The new motor has improved how I coach. I can give calm, clear technique corrections from the boat, and the electronic start means instant response in emergencies. When our juniors compete in Brisbane 2032, they’ll be ready because the community funding has helped us train them safely and effectively today.” — Sharlene Kelly, Club Coach
Beyond Sport: Mental Health and Community Impact
The club’s impact extends far beyond producing elite athletes. Regular paddling provides proven mental health benefits, stress reduction, improved mood, and crucial social connections. For juniors navigating the pressures of adolescence alongside intense training, the supportive environment created by reliable safety measures is invaluable. Parents report their children are more confident, focused, and resilient since joining the program.
The club also hosts community events and charity fundraisers on the water, from corporate team building to memorial paddles raising funds for local causes. Each event relies on the safety boat for smooth operation, ensuring hundreds of community members can experience the joy of paddling in a secure environment.
Looking Ahead: Brisbane 2032 and Beyond
With the new motor installed and prominently acknowledged in their clubhouse, Sunshine Coast Paddlesports continues building tomorrow’s Olympians while serving today’s community. The Buderim Foundation’s investment ensures that whether it’s a nervous beginner taking their first stroke or a future gold medalist perfecting their technique, everyone has the safety support they need to reach their potential on the water.
As the club newsletter noted after receiving the grant: “This grant is timely with the motor nearing end of life.”
