Richard and Jane Tempest had their children David (11), Kelly (9) and Serene (8) on the water from as young as five years old.
Over the years, neighbours Nicole Stillman (11), Jordan (9) and Adrienne (11) Gloster and Charli (11) and Frazer (7) Howard joined in and together they created the ‘Golf Links Paddlers’.
They have won medals in the state and national championships, including a schools trophy for Carramar Primary School. Group members also hold two WA Marathon Paddler of the Year titles.
‘I think getting them active and outside is critical,’ Mrs Tempest said.
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READ NOW‘It forces them to build friendships outside of their school environment and takes them away from being influenced negatively if they hang around in the community with nothing to do.’
The group drives from Carramar to the Canning River most Tuesday nights and weekends throughout the year to train for various competitions.
‘It’s not just the healthy lifestyle, it’s the healthy environment ” our club runs environmental activities to teach the kids about nature and caring for the river,’ Mrs Tempest said.