The final race of the year was a short 3km 3-lap race up to the first bridge and back, the flow was up higher than normal so it made the upstream paddle more than a challenge. Phil Barratt was first around the course three times with a solid paddle to hold off Noel and Phil Nelson. There was a good battle further back with Jono, Claye and Jon all together before Jono overshot the turn on the second lap while the older heads done the minimum to get around the course leaving Jono with a big gap to make up. Angus chased me down from about 100 meters back at the start of the final lap, going past at the turn and managed to hold on to finish just ahead. Thanks April for timing.
| Paddler | Gun Time | Position |
| Phil Barratt | 17:05 | 1 |
| Noel | 17:32 | 2 |
| Phil Nelson | 18:15 | 3 |
| Ken McLean | 18:30 | 4 |
| Claye Mace | 19:10 | 5 |
| Jon Purtell | 19:15 | 6 |
| Jono Clarke | 19:32 | 7 |
| Angus Purtell | 20:20 | 8 |
| Adam Rolls | 20:26 | 9 |
| Phil Wadley | 21:12 | 10 |
| Chris Bates | 21:58 | 11 |
| Oscar Purtell | 22:19 | 12 |
| Jen Purtell | 23:20 | 13 |
| Beth Wadley | 24:00 | 14 |
After the race the end of year BBQ was held, thanks to Amanda for making salads, picking up food and cooking and to Cathie for jumping on some tongs as well. Special thanks to Chris Bates for the delicious chocolate cake. Phil Nelson also brought out the year end prize, a hybrid paddle from Stellar Kayaks Australia and $600 off a new Stellar ski from Paddle ‘n’ Ski to show what we were paddling for. Thanks for the support Phil and April (Paddle ‘n’ Ski) and Stellar Kayaks Australia.
We will be having a short break over the Christmas and New Years period with racing to recommence on the 8th January 2019. Hope you all have a good break and manage to enjoy some time on the water.
