About Us
Advantages of joining MWKC?
Manly Warringah Kayak Club (MWKC) is situated on the beautiful Narrabeen Lake at Berry Reserve (behind Tram Shed and Ambulance).
We are an all-inclusive club suitable for all ages and abilities and have squads for Tadpoles (under 12), Junior (13-18), Under 23, open and Masters paddlers.
We are primarily a racing club and our members enjoy competing in events such as the Paddle NSW Marathon Series, PNSW Harbour Series, PNSW Sprint Series as well as ultra-marathons like the Hawkesbury Classic and Myall Classic.
Of course, if you are new to paddling or want to brush up, you probably would not just jump in and do these races (although some probably have),. We offer some great guidance and mentorship to get started, including:
- Coaching
- Regular squad training
- Sunday club races
- Encouragement from members who have been through the same
We believe so strongly in our product, that we have a ‘try before you buy’ program which involves 3 on water group sessions with one of our coaches where you can be provided with a boat, paddle and life jacket and given instruction on how to get you going.
After the 3 sessions, you will hopefully decide to join and become a part of our fantastic community. At that stage you will be required to sign up with Paddle New South Wales, the governing body (for insurance purposes) and register for MWKC.
You will be provided with a key and will be allowed to use a club boat (under supervision) for a period of 3 months before you are required to purchase your own.
All members are required to abide by:
- The PNSW rules and regulations
- The rules and regulations of MWKC
- Marine safety regulations
Don’t worry, we will provide these to you in our prospective members pack before you join.
If you are interested in hearing more, please contact us in one of these ways and one of friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone: 0409 404 366 or Email: Membership Enquiries
Our facilities include
Narrabeen
Hot Showers
Para Program
Gym & Ergs
Cafes Nearby
Parking Spaces
Storage
Squads
Coaching
Club History
In 1982 there were no State Institutes of Sport, no Australian Institute of Sport, in fact no professional support for the Olympic Sport of Kayak racing, in Australia.
Barry Kelly (1980 Moscow Olympian) was in hard training on Narrabeen Lake to achieve his goal to represent Australia at the 1984 Los angeles Olympics. Interested ski/kayak paddlers staged several important races on Narrabeen Lake to gauge interest, from this two public meetings were held at North Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club to appoint a working party, to create the only kayak club north of Sydney Harbour.
The inaugural meeting to form the MWKC was held at the North Narrabeen SLSC on the 10th April 1983. Len Turner / President, Chris Luhrman / Secretary, Craig Susan / Treasurer, Brett Worth / Race Secretary, Lin Aitchison / Vice President
Initial races were staged from Narrabeen Caravan Lake every 2nd Sunday and North Narrabeen SLSC kindly allowed participants to use the clubs facilities.
Then later the MWKC moved to the NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation Fitness Camp, at the western end of Narrabeen Lake.
Mid 1984 Barry Kelly was selected to represent Australia at the 1984 Olympics in the K2 1000m event. To assist Barry, the MWKC donated it’s entire funds of $500, he responded by gaining a Bronze medal with Grant Kenny.
In 1987-88 stage one of the MWKC was commenced and built entirely by voluntary labour.
Special thanks for the completion of the original clubhouse goes to: Bill Worth (Former North Narrabeen SLSC President) Paul Munro, Grant Hughes, The Byrnes Boys, Peter Tedesco.
The early years of the the MWKC will be remembered for the tremendous achievements of a small group of enthusiasts, who built the STRONGEST KAYAK CLUB IN AUSTRALIA, from the humble beginning 16 years ago!!
Olympic Games Representatives
| Year | City | Name | Event | Result |
| 2016 | Rio | Naomi Flood | K1 500 | Semi Final 2 |
| 2016 | Rio | Murray Stewart | K1 1000 | Semi Final 1 |
| 2016 | Rio | Murray Stewart | K1 1000 | Final A 4th |
| 2012 | London | Jo Brigden Jones | LK4 500 | Semi final |
| 2012 | London | Naomi Flood | LK2 500 | B final 4th |
| 2012 | London | Murray Stewart | K4 1000 | Gold Medal |
| 2012 | London | Murray Stewart | K1 1000 | B final |
| 2012 | London | Murray Stewart | K1 200 | Heat |
| 2008 | Beijing | Chantal Meek | LK1 500 | Semi final |
| 2008 | Beijing | Chantal Meek | LK4 500 | Bronze Medal |
| 2004 | Athens | Chantal Meek | LK4 500 | Final |
| 2000 | Sydney | Brian Morton | K2 1000 | Semi final |
| 2000 | Sydney | Peter Scott | K4 1000 | Semi final |
| 2000 | Sydney | Shelley Oates-Wilding | LK4 500 | Semi final |
| 2000 | Sydney | Ross Chaffer | K4 1000 | Semi final |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Jim Walker | K4 1000 | Final |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Brian Morton | K4 1000 | Final |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Yanda Nossiter | LK4 500 | Final |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Shelley Oates | LK4 500 | Final |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Peter Scott | K2 1000 | Final |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Anna Wood | Lk2 500 | Semi final |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Anna Wood | LK4 500 | Final |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Steve Wood | K4 1000 | Bronze Medal |
| 1988 | Seoul | Steve Wood | K4 1000 | Final |
| 1984 | Los Angeles | Barry Kelly | K2 1000 | Bronze Medal |
