Tom (10) and Jack (14) Baker joined the Bayswater Paddlesport Club four years ago. Jack is competing in the Junior Avon Descent this year.
Camera IconTom (10) and Jack (14) Baker joined the Bayswater Paddlesport Club four years ago. Jack is competing in the Junior Avon Descent this year. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek

Oars for an awesome health cause

Staff ReporterSouthern Gazette

As part of the launch on May 19 at AP Hinds Reserve, the Bayswater Paddlesport Club will host the Paddle Challenge to raise money for Heart Foundation WA to raise awareness about the warning signs of heart attack.

The event will be held in memory of local canoeing enthusiast Joe van der Merwe, who died of a heart attack at the finish of the 2010 Challenge.

Bayswater Club members Jack (14) and Tom (10) Baker joined the club about four years ago after the club president spoke at their school to encourage new members.

The decision to join has led Jack, who was a silver medallist in this year’s Australian Nationals Sprint Titles Championship, to follow in the footsteps of fellow Bayswater paddlers, London Olympians Stephen Bird, Alana Nichols and Jesse Phillips.

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‘Being down here and doing the sport with friends is a lot of fun,’ Jack said.

In August, Jack will compete in the Junior Avon Descent 15km flat water event.

The Avon Descent is on August 3 and 4 on the Avon and Swan rivers.