Girton Paddlers Take on Victoria’s Best

14th March 2018

Students from Girton Grammar School took part in their final training session last night for the annual Victorian Schools Canoe Championships to be held this Sunday 18th March 2018 at Lake Nagambie.

Headmaster at Girton Grammar School, Mr Matthew Maruff, said that nine students aged 13 – 16 will compete in marathon and sprint events, in single and double kayaks at the largest inter school competition of its kind.

“Girton Grammar has been running a kayak club as part of its co-curricular programme for about a year.

“The students range in age and experience in the sport and train every Tuesday night at Lake Weeroona or Crusoe Reservoir.

“We are fortunate to have two National Champions on the team who have taken on instructor roles for the other students, sharing their wealth of experience and skill.

“Imogen Douglass and James Humphry travelled to the kayaking World Championships in Austria last year so they have plenty of advice for the less experienced paddlers in the team.

“The experienced paddlers are paired up with the newer members of the club to ensure continual improvement in this physically demanding sport,” Mr Maruff said.

The Girton Kayaking Team is affiliated with the Bendigo Canoe Club, which has generously supported the students through provision of boats, advice, coaching and a range of general support that allows the students to train each week and now, to compete. This weekend’s Victorian Schools Canoe Championships is the first formal competition in which the team will compete.

“Kayaking is one of more than seventy co-curricular activities on offer at Girton Grammar and a fantastic sport for teamwork, physical fitness and discipline.

“My thanks goes to the dedicated parents of the students in this activity and to the Bendigo Canoe Club for their generous support,” said Mr Maruff.

 

Girton paddlers prepare for the 2018 Victorian Schools Canoe Championships