ENTHUSIASTIC Broken Paddle Canoe Club (BPCC) members, officials and parents shared in a fun Canoe Polo break-up and presentation, buoyed by a growth in participants.
Club secretary Bev Wigginton and president Tim Claridge were elated with the response at the Boonah High School pool.
“It is a celebration of a resurgence in canoe polo with the next generation of instructors, Jono Hollands and Will O’Brien, bringing along their young family members and friends,” Bev said.
“The club now has 35 juniors – aged 6-17 - and 20 seniors. That’s a far cry from a year ago with one junior and 10 senior members.”
Tim said it was “a breath of fresh air” seeing what the new members and their parents brought to the club.
“Just 12 months ago, we struggled to field a game across all year levels,” Tim said.
“Now, with 55 active members registered on the Paddle Australia portal, we’re excited to welcome every single one of you back for the 2025–26 season, which kicks off in September.”
Tim thanked the club’s “incredibly dedicated and passionate instructors” Jono and Will.
“We are fortunate to have such experienced and committed individuals who put in countless hours preparing and planning each session,” he said.
“Most importantly, they’ve been in the pool, fostering learning, development and enjoyment across all levels.”
Broken Paddle Canoe Club juniors enjoy the occasion with instructor Jono Hollands.
Club vice-president Jono and Micros (6-8 years) instructor Will oversaw the fun night of pool activities.
Tim said the Boonah-based BPCC has a proud history of providing canoe polo and paddle sports, since being formed in 2000.
“This year marks our 25th anniversary - a truly significant milestone,” he said.
“We must acknowledge the incredible experience within our committee, particularly Rob and Bev Wigginton, founding members who continue to play an active and invaluable role in the club.”
Tim said the repair and equipment support work of people like Colin Anderson and Steve Peck was also appreciated.
Colin and Steve have been long-serving committee members since the club's inception, contributing in coaching and a variety of other essential roles.
“Their dedication ensures that our players can participate safely and effectively,” Tim said.
Bev thanked club helpers like Boonah Barracudas Swimming Club president Ben Service and Leigh Sloan, who made cup cakes with a 3D printed kayak and paddle made by Sebastion Prenzler, the club’s most senior junior aged 16.
She also appreciated feedback from parents like Leigh, who had four children join this season.
“The kids have had such a good experience and so much fun learning new skills,” Leigh said.
“For me as their parent, the highlight has been watching not only their smiles and enjoyment, but the types of authority figures and examples of interactions and encouragement all the instructors and adults involved at BPCC have provided them - so valuable and appreciated.”
The Micros, aged 6-8 and backed by supportive parents, share in skills focused on water safety, capsizing a canoe and boat control.
Bev and her husband Rob assisted the instructors along with Colin Anderson and Peter Beames.
Bev said another highlight was the club fielding a senior team in the Brisbane Metro Summer competition at Springfield Lakes for the first time in many years.
The club will continue holding canoe polo events on Monday nights when the new season returns in September.
The National Junior Championships for canoe polo are scheduled to be held at the Gold Coast over the Easters holidays (April 12-14) before the seniors Oceanic Games at the same venue from April 17-20.
Bev said the club hoped to have some competitors in future events.