Do you ever feel as though life is too complicated and you’d just like to slow down and paddle your own canoe? Well, you can do just that by joining the Mandurah Silver Dolphins Over 55s Canoe Club. The club’s members come from all walks of life, with 88-year-old Hank Verdoes the oldest member. The club meets three times a week, with Monday the main club day. “We are not a competitive paddling club,” said president Ruth Holding “We just enjoy paddling, the health benefits it provides, and the company of other paddlers.
“Working to a three-month calendar, we meet at various rivers and estuaries from Rockingham to Bunbury.” The paddlers are divided into three groups depending on their proficiency. “While we are not a strict club, we do have rules to ensure the safety of our members,” Ruth said. New members are welcome. “Those who do not have their own canoe can either borrow or hire one,” Ruth said. “That’s how my husband and I started. “On the first Monday of the month a trainer will take new paddlers out for trials.” Members also enjoy camps at various places throughout the year, including Bunbury, Denmark and Augusta. “It’s a great way to meet people, have a lot of fun and keep fit at the same time,” Ruth said. If you’d like to try paddling, contact Ruth on 9582-8971. |
