Stewart surfs to second title

Stewart, who will later this year race at his first senior canoe sprint world championships after being selected on the Australian team earlier this month, transferred his success to the ocean to lead home an impressive field on the beaches of Scarborough, Perth.

The Manly paddler proved too strong for 2008 Beijing Olympians, Tate Smith (Northcliffe) and Clint Robinson (Maroochydore), with these two paddlers crossing the line in second and third places respectively. Robinson is still considered the king of surf ski paddling, but was unable to add to his national title trophy cabinet this year.

Tate Smith joined fellow Northcliffe members to take victory in the Single ski realy ahead of the Manly club featuring Murray Stewart.   

In the mixed double ski, Stewart combined with fellow canoe sprint paddler Jo Brigden-Jones to finish in fourth place. Northcliffe continued their fine form in the ski events, placing first and third in the event. Nick Crilly, a former canoe sprint senior team member teamed up with Flora Manciet to claim the national title, while Rachel Simper, another ex senior team member, finished in third place with Tate Smith.

In the women’s open single ski, junior canoe sprint paddler Casey Leo-Litzow shocked the field to claim first place. Leo-Litzow, who also paddles for Currumbin Creek Canoe Club, proved too strong for the rest of the field taking the win. Youngster Hailey McGinty (Maroochydore) who was recently named to the U23 Sprint team, finished a commendable 7th overall.

In other results, Bernadette Wallace helped Burleigh Head Mowbray Park A to a third place in the women’s open single ski relay, while Jo Brigden-Jones and Naomi Flood claimed third in the women’s double ski.

The event further reinforced the close links between canoe sprint and surf lifesaving and promises a continued bond which serves to strengthen both disciplines in the future.