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Waveski Surfing Australia Joins Paddle Australia Family
Waveski Surfing Australia (WSA) and Paddle Australia (PA) are both proud to announce WSA will officially merge with Paddle Australia (PA), becoming the newest paddlesport discipline under the Paddle Australia umbrella from July 2025.
This significant milestone marks a new era for waveski surfing in Australia and reflects Paddle Australia’s commitment to inclusion and growth across all paddling disciplines. The merger is aligned with PA’s strategic vision, Paddle Forward 32, which positions the organisation as the home of paddlesports in Australia — one that supports, inspires, and develops all paddlers while fostering a sense of belonging in a world-leading sport and lifestyle.
The Paddle Forward 32 strategy specifically identifies opportunities to unify the broader paddling ecosystem. In this case, the merger provides a platform for mutual benefit and collaboration between the paddling and waveski communities.
Paddle Australia President, Andrew Trim said: “After meaningful, open and transparent conversations, we extended a merger opportunity to Waveski Surfing Australia. This is a simple and seamless success story; the waveski leaders and members we’ve come to know are incredible people with an infectious positive energy for both paddling and life.
Waveski Surfing Australia has a proud history that deserves to be nurtured and celebrated. This process was built on mutual respect and shared values, resulting in a positive outcome for all and ultimately a more connected paddlesports community,” he said.
The merger was recently approved by the PA Board and is fully supported by all State Paddling Associations, paving the way for immediate integration.
Paddle Australia CEO, Kim Crane said: “When considering the synergies and aligned approaches to delivering programs, events, and services to members, the efficiencies of scale that this merger brings are key to future growth and sustainability.”
“The Waveski discipline has a clear vision — to grow participation, deliver inclusive programs and competitions for all ages, and provide a strong athlete pathway from grassroots to world champions and in the context of our purpose it just makes sense.”
International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko said: “As the leading federation in global paddlesport, the ICF congratulates Paddle Australia and Waveski Surfing Australia on this important and strategic step.
“We remain committed to working in close partnership with all paddlesport organisations to strengthen unity, embrace diversity, and support the sustainable growth of our sport worldwide. This merger is a strong example of collaboration in action and reflects a shared vision for a more inclusive and connected paddling community.”
WSA President Graham Lancaster said: “Being a long-term member of Waveski Surfing Australia, I’m proud to lead this new future for Waveski surfing. We are very proud of our exciting sport and dedicated membership. I truly see this as an amazing, mutually beneficial future which embraces our new paddle family- Kim, Andrew and a team of dedicated professionals who have already made us feel so welcome! We are excited for the future of our Waveski paddle sport discipline within Paddle Australia.
Waveski Surfing Australia Secretary and World Waveski Surfing Association President , Jackie Dillon said: “At the international level, the World Waveski Surfing Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Canoe Federation several years ago — further cementing waveski’s alignment within the global paddling community.
“This merger is another example of Paddle Australia’s leadership in creating a more unified and sustainable paddlesports landscape, paving the way for others to follow globally.
“Our waveski community feel embraced and welcomed with a future that is assured under the umbrella of Paddle Australia that has set a standard that we’re proud to be a part of.”
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