Sun Shines on Bendigo Canoe Club’s Bendigo Cup 2024
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The Bendigo Cup 2024, part of the Paddle VIC Marathon Series, lit up Lake Weeroona this weekend. Over two days, the Bendigo Canoe Club hosted a series of paddling events, starting with Ready-to-Race clinics on Saturday. Led by experts such as Tom Warne Smith and Bec Mann, the clinics offered paddlers of all skill levels valuable insights into racing techniques and strategies.
Sunday saw the main event—the Bendigo Cup—where competitors from across the state raced in kayaks, canoes, outriggers, SUPs, and more. The day wrapped up with a lively Community Fun Paddle, open to all craft, which brought together families, friends, and local paddling enthusiasts for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon on the water.
With the sun shining brightly, spectators cheered on as paddlers completed their circuits around the lake. The event concluded with a warm afternoon tea, reinforcing the Bendigo Canoe Club’s commitment to fostering community spirit and enjoyment.
Some of the paddlers, like first-time visitors Shena and Charles, joined in on just a day’s notice, while long-time members, such as local sports star Sophie Hughes, also took part. Sophie, a seasoned competitor and athlete in canoeing, notably won gold in all four singles races she contested at the Victorian Sprint Titles on Lake Nagambie in 2023.
Bendigo Councillor Cr Matthew Evans was also in attendance and remarked, “It was a cracking day at Lake Weeroona for the 2024 Bendigo Cup, part of the Paddle Vic Marathon Series. We were pleased to welcome many competitors and their families from across the state, along with our local club. From athletes set to represent Australia in overseas competitions to those making their tournament debuts, the event showcased the inclusivity of this great sport, which is open to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.” He extended special thanks to the Bendigo Canoe Club and Paddle Victoria Marathon for organizing such an outstanding event.
