Gracie, aged 3.5, working the Greenland paddle

During my recent Christmas break, I was lucky enough to spend a week on the glorious Sunshine Coast in beautiful Queensland. Fellow paddler Darryl (otherwise known as @ireckon, or “that Kiwi fella”) was also staying nearby and we got together with our respective families for a swim and a paddle on nearby Currimundi Lake.

Big bad Darro (as Gracie calls him) enjoying a leisurely paddle

After Darryl and I had a nice cruisey paddle on the lake and a little excitement riding the tidal race at its mouth to the sea, we returned to our kids where my eldest daughter Grace announced she wanted to take a kayak out for a paddle.  So after a quick fit-up with the smallest PFD Darryl had, I handed Gracie my Mitchell Greenland paddle and guided her out into the lake.

And she's off.... but not far from Daddy's reach

Toddler Cam

Now undeniably Gracie could do with a smaller boat and a Greenland paddle half the size. But all things considered, she picked it up quickly and was determined to chase and ram the other kids on the lake (that’s my girl!!).  No fear, just a heap of fun on the water paddling about in the Summer heat. I was quite jeolous!

Daddy, can I have a shorter paddle next time??

The day inspired me to help my daughters experience more of the outdoors, to give them the opportunity to share my love of nature and outdoor activities.  I’ve now started thinking about paddle-craft that we can all use together for camping trips, such as a canoe or large SOT. And of light-weight tents, sleeping gear and more. So much fun to be had amongst the beautiful Australian country-side!

For now though, a few more gentle paddles might be in order.  Cheers – FP

Check out my High Brace, Daddy!