In 2001, Ross Street boat ramp at Newstead became the original birthplace of the Brisbane Paddling Club. Initially, this meeting point was used for a cross training combination of river-based paddling and land fitness drills by the ‘Old Dogs’ crew. A decade later, with the goal to improve their paddling skills, David Knight recruited Paddle2Fitness who then conducted coaching sessions, on a weekly basis. Other paddlers who used the Ross Street ramp slowly began to form a collective group; in 2014 they became the Breakfast Creek Paddlers. Their former President, Damien Lovejoy, shared his experience and enthusiasm for the sport which developed local recognition, but the club remained a compact crew of paddlers. In early 2017, the club executive was formed with some of the founding members. At the first AGM, a club constitution was created and an incorporated entity status was granted in addition to becoming an affiliated club with Paddle Queensland. Shortly after, a small group of ladies joined the group to advance their paddling in preparation for the Manly Wharf: Bridge to Beach race. The following year in 2018, the Brisbane Paddling Club gained recognition by winning the Pacific Coast Paddling Series.

Now, the Brisbane Paddling Club (BPC) is a community water-sports club with nearly 100 paddlers using ocean ski, surf ski and kayak’s who train on the Brisbane River from Breakfast Creek, Sandgate Road boat ramp. The most common watercraft being a single or double ski. The club caters for paddlers from first-timers to elite paddlers competing at State, National and International levels. Our resident coach, Julian Norton-Smith, teaches paddlers techniques in intermediate or advanced squads and private sessions. This allows our community to become safe and confident paddlers in various environments such as still water (lakes), currents (rivers) and waves (bay and ocean). All paddlers have an opportunity to compete in local club and racing series events.