Life Members

ABOVE: LEN TURNER,BILL MARTIN,GREG DOUPE, DAVE ROBERTS

ABOVE: LIFERS

ABOVE: DAVE JAMES & DAVE SALTER

1996 LEN TURNER

MWKC formation and Len -the first MWKC president -Written by Mark Byrne “Through Bill Worth’s knowledge of being the President of NNSLC a list of possible names of who we could ask if they would like to be involved was made and one of those being Len Turner. My brother Garry went around to Len’s house and introduced himself and started a strange conversation with him ending with him agreeing to be involved and be the first President, we all know now what a great decision that was.” Nicknames: Tosser (from rugby days), Lenny -PASSIONATE;PERSERVERENCE;PERSISTANCE

MWKC president 1983 -1997

There are many facts and stories about Len (please fell free to email me [email protected])so I can add to his incredible MWKC and kayak history.(and correct anything!) The combination of Len and Aitcho (Len & Aitcho were inseparable -Lennys right hand man)became a formidable force bringing Olympic class sprinting to Narrabeen. During this time Len started training squads for kayaks, dragon boats and outriggers. 1984 -Dragon boating was a new sport introduced by China -Through Len & Aitcho the team came 2nd in the Lady Macquarie chair race and won a free trip to Hong Kong for their inaugural race. After discussing Molokai with Brian Graber, Len said why can’t we do that…20 Beaches was born and run by MWKC and Nth Narrabeen slsc for 14 years. Sponsorship was obtained through Heineken and proudly said The worlds richest surf ski race! with over 200 paddlers (remembering the concept of MWKC was to encourage surf ski paddlers to take up kayaking with Olympic gaols. Airfares were provided for Knut Holman (Norway ,then current World kayak champ, ensuring maximum press coverage. The inaugural event was run from Manly to Palm Beach with Dean Gardiner taking line honours. Paddlers vie to win the race ever since and to hold up the Steve Wood trophy named after MWKC member who won a bronze medal in the k4 1000m at Barcelona in 1992. Len was a driving force for State canoeing and MWKC became a strong feeder club for NSWIS & AIS. Barry Kelly was the 1st AIS coach. The academy of sport started in 1992 with the recruitment of new coach Ben Hutchins. Other coaches included Brian Trouville and Hayden Kenny with Grant Kenny on the team. Lars immigrated to Australia as coach. Marathon racing mid 80s -90s also included more outrigging and dragon boat racing. Grant Hughes worked for Len as a builder and contributed a lot of carpentry work to MWKC. After the 1984 LA Olympics Len wanted to buy a K4 -Barry Kelly organised for the olympic K4 to be sent in the container. Len & Pete Tedesco went to the Gold Coast to pickup the k4 but had to pay for it!! $Dollars$ give me your credit card! Len donated MWKC full kitty of $500 to Barry Kelly for LA. 1985 Mick Wilson coach – Byrnes, Grant A, Steve Wood -National k4 sprint Ballarat, Mark Byrne & Steve sprint team Ensuring race days would go well Len was always involved in splicing ropes and setting up the lanes.

1996 LIN AITCHISON

Lindsay Aitchison (Aitcho) Vice President 1984 -1993, Race starter 1984 -1989 NIck names: Aitcho, Doctor evil (missing fingers) Lorna Aitchison -Social secretary 1984 – 1989

For those who didn’t know Aitcho, he was a life member of the club. After spending many years managing dragon boat teams, he turned his efforts to officiating at kayaking. He was a NSW Sprint Official, serving on the Sprint Committee for a number of years. He also officiated at the Sydney Olympics. His Olympic Officials uniform was his pride and joy. 

Aitcho had an aneurysm which left him in a wheelchair, and sadly passed away 18th February 2033. Up until that time he was the starter at the MWKC Sunday club races and helped Kaye with the timing etc. He loved to see the young kayakers do well and was a great supporter, both financially and personally of many of our club members who represented Australia at junior and senior level. He was quite a character and had a wonderful sense of humor. You could only be happy when you were around Aitcho. He was a gentleman and he will be sadly missed by all. 

1996 PETER TEDESCO

Nick Names: The Wizard, $Dollars$

MWKC Treasurer 1986 -1994

PT organised funding for the original building through corporate Unilever and as CEO of Streets and sponsored NSWIS for 3 years $100k per year. Peter organised Flora sponsorship for k4 racing in Penrith and when the Victorians k4 broke in half, Peter offered to repair and give them a K4 to paddle -very generous.

PT donated a k4 to MWKC -aptly named “Peter Tedesco” and it is still paddled regularly. To be continued………..

2014 DAVE SALTER

David – Dave “Salty” Salter

David Salter joined MWKC 3 months after it was formed and has been a long time active member. He took over the MWKC secretary job from Chris Luhrman after he was transferred to Wollongong in 1983 and was club secretary for 6 ½ years from 1983. And unofficial club race secretary. 

There is often talk of having an official record keeper for the club –well Dave has every race record since 1983! Although David was involved with dragon boat paddling for a period of 5 years in the 1990s,David was still a principal financial member of MWKC and no other member other than Len Turner has been involved longer at this club. David has competed at most Australian State & National sprint & marathon events , 7 x Hawkesbury’s,(K1, K2 & K4) World Masters, Murray marathon, any marathon race in NSW and paddled all round the world basically ! In the good old days David used to finish work in Sydney –drive to Albury, race there on a Saturday drive on to Cowra race and then come back for work Monday. If David can’t paddle in a race, then he is always one of the first to put up his hand to help, either time keeping or with setting up –ie Marathon, sprint, Fisherman’s Beach ocean races, Pittwater races. In 1984 David won the clubs 1st gold medal in vet TK2 vet 40 with Jim Walsh Maroochydore River , QLD at same regatta Dave took home silver in the vet 40 K1.

David’s life of competitive K1, K2 racing is invaluable to the many young and old “new” kayak paddlers he has mentored over the years at MWKC, most recently Suzie Rhydderch, who David encouraged through ski paddling, K1 and K2 for the past few years. Together they have competed in the marathons and ocean race series. This year joined by another new paddler, Michael, and regulars Leigh & Nick, Suzie & Dave have regular “fast” K1 sessions on the lake at 5.45 am Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays usually followed up by racing at club race on Sundays. In 2010 David was recognised for his paddling achievements over the decades by being awarded the “Distinguished Long Service Award” by PaddleNSW. He has spent the last 56 years in a boat! Club maintenance -Ever wondered who cleans the front drain and the roof gutters at the club –David has on a regular basis for many years.

2015 ROB CHANT

Rob has been an active paddling member of MWKC since 1987. Rob has also been an active committee person since 1994 when he joined the committee as Social Secretary ,Boat shed Captain (8 years), Social Secretary again, (5 years total). Race secretary, completed his level one coaching certificate 1992 and coached for 3 years .Rob has been a constant member on the general committee. Apart from being a regular MWKC “Sunday” racer for most of these years ,Rob has competed representing MWKC in many State , National & World masters kayaking events also competing solo and with club members in the following events 14 x Hawkesbury Classic (still holds the record 2003 for v40 k2 with Lawrie), 10 x Myall Classic, Murray Marathons ,10 x Twenty Beaches & 2 x solo Molokais. And also was an active member of MWKC outrigging club during the 1990s. Rob also is responsible (with the help of Len turner over all the years) of setting the buoys for the 12km course –this is a constant job –usually on a weekly basis! 

Ever wondered where those trophies on MWKC awards nights come from…Rob…making and supplying the special “golden eagles” for at least the last 15 years. As recorded in the 2012 MWKC newsletter by his good friend Lawrie Kenyon –Rob is a determined , skilful, honourable & loyal man – and I think a great asset to MWKC in the past & for the future, and a perfect candidate for life membership nomination. Robs other hobbies over the years include AMCA racing. Rob and his younger brother Laurence raced together for about 13 years at Sydney Speedway. Rob often turned up to club races with only 2 or 3 hours sleep -racing all around NSW. Rob has won many track Championships at Sydney. Rob and his boys trained in Tai Kwon Do, in which Rob & Aaron achieved Black belt status, Rob to 2nd Dan. He excelled at motorcycling, riding trials and motorcross. More recently Rob has turned his eyes towards the sky, becoming involved with aviation and flying, specifically paragliding. As is typical, he has taken on a leadership role in that fraternity as well, acting as the area safety officer looking after the monitoring and safety oversight role for local flying venues. If you see canopies open around Long Reef or Mona Vale you can almost be certain Rob will be there. Finally to show you there is more perspective to most people , Rob has been reported in the Manly Daily (1977) for his expertise in ceramics, a skill acquired at high school, where he won 1st prize for his work in vases.

2002 DAVE ROBERTS

Nicknames: The tea and biccy man, Number 1 Dave

Craft paddled: K1, k2, K4, Tk1, tk2, SLSC single and double

History with MWKC: I joined in about 1987 at the invitation of Len turner (The president) -an associate at SLSC. i am pleased that I did because the social contacts have been great and the kayak competition (Masters) most rewarding. I have been to NSW Masters games, most Australian masters and 2 x world Masters games. I have been fortunate to have been quite successful. In my early time with the club, I was race secretary for some years and a committee member.

National, State, Worlds: In the 1960s I competed in kayaks while I was still involved with surf life saving. Towards the end of the 60s I concentrated on competition in the surf with success in single ski, double and team events. More recently I have competed in the surf and kayaks in State Australian and World Master events, wining numerous medals.

Thoughts of MWKC from the past years to date:(written in 2006) The club was in its early stages of development when i joined and there have been major changes to the clubhouse and the number of members. We have been fortunate in having very efficient and enthusiastic committee members during the years and this has persisted until present day. the clubhouse facilities, the number of boats and the general club atmosphere are virtually unique in NSW and a source of wonder to visiting competitors. the various committee members over the years should be justifiably proud of their efforts and I am looking forward to the extensions which I understand are planned for the near future. The MWKC can hold its head high for providing a community facility open to all comers to experience physical, social and health advantages.

Dave received an OAM for his services to sport , 30/4/2013

Sadly Dave passed away at the age of 91 in 2017, his ashes were scattered at Freshwater SLSC 9th April 2017

2008 BILLY MARTIN

Nick Names: Navy (Pincher) Smiler (Football) Billder(Children & Grandchildren)

Joined MWKC 1989

Craft paddled: TK -all the k boats, outriggers Surfboats,surfskis, longboats(navy)(from Bills navy photo HMAS Torbruk aged 17 “that I was always in the fast lane”

MWKC secretary for 7-8 years.

Competed in State, National and World competitions.

In Bills words (2006) I find it amazing that there are a group of men my age who are active and fit,enjoy life and are still competitive. The companionship and enduring friendships that have been made through this kayak club over the years is truly remarkable and a very valued part of my life. Coupled with this is the wonderful attitude and spirit of all our members, from juniors to elite , of which there is many. I am very proud to be a member.

Bill was fortunate to compete in several Murray’s, one particular highlight in 1992 with Lenny, Tiller & Treharne the over 50 record, which I believe still stands today 28 hrs 55 mins. Several Hawkesbury’s and 5 World Master’s However, Bills proudest moments, was a win at Wyong for the Grandfather/ Grandson event with Alex, and paddling with my son (Matt) & 2 Grandson’s (Tom & Alex)3 generation’s in the (Billy Martin) K4.

Bill was involved in the renovations of the club house , during its many stages. Unofficially the change rooms are called “The Bill Martin rooms”. Bill made all the timber benches and racks.

| Billy Martin -King of the mountain stalwart

2008 DAVE JAMES

From 1999 Dave , Annette and Gavin have been club stalwarts and Dave in particular with his kindness, generosity and happy personality has touched all of us. Dave joined the committee soon after arriving at MWKC and was club captain for 10 years, member protection officer and vice president for a term each. Dave did his Level 1 coaching course in 2004 –and coached beginners every Tuesday , Thursday & Saturday since Dave didn’t coach by the book – he encouraged the juniors to have fun –made up games and made learning to paddle fun. His one major down fall was he could never say NO and often ended up with too many students –but he always took it in his stride and got everyone going. Rain hail or shine he was always at the lake –just incase someone showed up –If no one showed up he went for a paddle with his friends.

In the mean time dave competed in most Sunday events -sprint and marathon -State & National. Christmas time –he was always on the organising side of things and even turned up as Santa a few times with a bag of goodies for the young paddlers and siblings. Christmas paddles were always fun, blindfold paddling, paddling backwards races, catching the ball etc

Dave was always on hand for working bees, cooking the BBQ or out in the safety boat. He manned the safety boat at many State, national & marathon events –sprint & marathon and always got sunburnt! Dave started Paracanoe with Gaye Hatfield & Buzz Powell in 2011. We didn’t have much idea-but Buzz taught us fundamentals and we picked up as we went on. We have had a big variety of paddlers come thru MWKC –amputees, paraplegics, quadraplegics, and a variety of different disabilities ,each person different in their requirements –so a big learning curve. Nothing was ever too much trouble and Dave was always a very caring, positive and good fun person/coach. Dave had a great sense of humour, and used to tease and joke with the young guys, but he was also very caring and mindful of their situation and their fears. One stand out of Daves generous personality was in between his Saturday morning coaching classes he jumped in his car and drove up to the vets village, picked up one of our adaptive paddlers grandparents and brought them down to the lake to watch their grandson Matt. Dave was always there for any event without hesitation or reservation…unless it was Bathurst weekend and he became a couch potato!

Dave often went beyond the call –just to make peoples day.

21st January 2017 – How can it be we all asked? 

Dave James friend to all, sadly & suddenly passed away at home. Dave will be so missed by everyone at the MWKC kayak club and the Australian kayak fraternity. Hardly a day went by that Dave wasn’t at the kayak club, and if he wasn’t there he was working at the RSL Village. Always cheery, always willing to lend a hand, making a difference to every person he met with his generous personality.

Dave gave up so much of his time to help out at any event, State, Nationals, sprints, marathons, harbour races. For Dave, coaching beginners was his passion which he has done every week since 2004 and he never hesitated to drive trailers and paddlers around the country for varied events. 

You were one of a kind Davey and you will be missed so very much.

2012 LAWRIE KENYON

Joined MWKC in 1989 and has been a long-time active kayak paddler and club member. After years of competitive racing, Lawrie was encouraged to join the committee and became MWKC club treasurer in 2002/2003 year and held that position until 2005/2006 year. For Lawrie it was a natural step up into the President’s position for the 2006/2007 through to 2010/2011 year. 

This was a very exciting time for the MWKC club house with the long-awaited building of stage 3 –the upstairs, about to become a reality. Lawrie was instrumental in the early stages of the building committee, offering his expert building advice to the pre building stage. Lawrie stepped down from the building subcommittee to tender for the building contract. Kenyon Constructions were successful and we are now very fortunate to have our fantastic club house –built by our President!! Lawrie’s committee positions also included the very important Public Officer role –this person manages all the Dept. of Fair trading etc. and Lawrie has held that position from 2002. Lawrie also took over as acting secretary when the position became vacant in 2010/2011. Apart from Lawrie’s duties to MWKC he was also involved with the setup of PaddleNSW in 2008 and was their treasurer for 18 months.

So, with all the above and full-time work, family etc. Lawrie still managed to squeeze in a lot of kayaking –competing at MWKC events & Lane Cove most Wednesday nights (He was one of the original founders of LCRK)also, in many Hawkesbury’s V50k1 -9 hours.13m.40 and V40 k2 with Rob Chant 8 hours .22.43 (records still held to this day) Murray Marathons(K1v40 28hours.41m,Nepean 200km (19hours .50m) Nepean 100mile races (21hours.47m.50), and most sprint and marathon events –where ever they were in Australia! Lawrie never hesitated to say to Karen “Come on we are driving all the kayaks to Adelaide this weekend for the team”, or heading to Perth etc. etc. He always accepted when asked, never a problem.

Lawrie as President and as a club person was always open to new ideas –including bringing the TIDs into the club, welcoming the NSWIS paddlers –he just loved having as many paddlers racing K boats as possible! Lawrie always has and will help out at club events –from the very successful Vajda sprint day (mostly organised by Lawrie& Karen) the Fisherman’s Beach –ski races, marathon events, and Xmas parties to club races. His passion for the sport of kayak racing in a K1, K2, K4 or sitting taking the race times is always evident.

In the club constitution Life membership nomination is to have carried out efficient service as a member of the Executive for a minimum consecutive period of 8 years –Lawrie was President for 6 years, Treasurer for 4 years, Secretary for 1 and Public Officer for 10 years and has also rendered special and distinguished service to the club with his dedication to kayaking and to MWKC by always supporting the club –either through paddling or working at the club.

Lawrie & Karen retired and moved to Cessnock, living at The Vintage golf course, which he now enjoys along with his motor cycling.

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2021 BRETT WORTH 

Prior to MWKC, Brett and I {Mark Byrne} had been paddling ski for Nth Narrabeen Surf Club which lead to us doing the first every Hawkesbury Classic and then the first PYE Surf Ski Challenge from Forster to Sydney. During training for these events, we were introduced to Kayaks by Barry Kelly who was using the lake for his preparation for the world titles. At this time there was no other racing kayaks seen on the lake and it got us interested in trying to get a hold of some K1. We eventually drove to Albury bought some kayaks and started thinking about competition and replicating what Barry was achieving in Kayaking. The next problem was we needed to be a member of a club and there wasn’t racing club in the Northern Beaches. Between Brett my brother Garry and Chris Luhrmann we had decided that we would start our own. We talked over different ideas and possible club names for a while and then enlisted the help of Brett’s Dad Bill Worth. After a few more weeks of discussion North Narrabeen Kayak Club, Narrabeen Lakes KC became Manly Warringah KC with Brett being more accepting than I of having to have a broader appeal taking away some of the competitive loyalties of surf clubs in the area at the time.

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Through Bill Worth’s knowledge of being the President of NNSLC a list of possible names of who we could ask if they would like to be involved was made and one of those being Len Turner. My brother Garry went around to Len’s house and introduced himself and started a strange conversation with him ending with him agreeing to be involved and be the first President, we all know now what a great decision that was. So, you can see Brett was involved from conception through to present in giving his time, energy and skills to the foundation and betterment of Manly Warringah Kayak Club. Brett has held positions on the MWKC committee -his first being in 1983 as race secretary, later publicity.Brett was part of the original team at the inaugural meeting to form MWKC, held at Nth Narrabeen SLSC on the 10th April 1983.

Brett continues to support local sprint courses held for new coaches, usually at MWKC, formerly run by NSW canoeing and PNSW.His extensive knowledge on technique and everything kayaking has produced very good coaches.

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From Cameron Tunbridge: First and foremost Worthy is a genuine, fair minded, well grounded gentleman and family man with a great sense of humour.Quiet and unassuming person with steely determination, dedication to achieve goals and a tough task master.

From Shelley Oates Wilding: Former MWKC member and Olympian. Brett was a fantastic coach for motivating our next generation and coaches through the club and NSWIS.

Some of Worthy’s Paddling Achievements
1974-76 Paddled River trips with NNSLSC
1977 Started competing in Cadet surf ski for North Narrabeen SLSC
1981 Competed in the very first Hawkesbury Classic in Double Spec Surf Ski with Mark Byrne from NNSLSC. Have completed 12 successful Hawkesbury races and hold several class records.
1982 Introduced to kayaking by Barry Kelly who was living and training on Narrabeen lake .
1982 3 rd place PYE surf ski Challenge 260km Foster to Sydney.
1983 Competed in 244km Texan surf ski Challenge Port Elizabeth to East London in south Africa on a double surf ski with Greg Smith
1983 Founding member of MWKC appointed first race secretary.
1984 Member of Australian Marathon Canoe Team 6 th K2 with Grant Hughes World Cup Ireland.
1985 Member of Australian Marathon Canoe Team 2 nd K2 with Cameron Tunbridge World Cup Luxembourg ( Equal winners Men’s World Cup Team Pointscore Aust/Denmark)
1986 National K2 Marathon Champions with Cameron Tunbridge.
1988 3 rd place 260km Foster to Sydney Surf ski Challenge
1990 1 st placed 260km foster to Sydney Surf ski Challenge
1994 4 th place 1000km Finlandia Clean water Challenge Chicago-New York
1994 Appointed Assistant coach to NSW Academy of Sport Canoeing program working with Head coach Ben Hutchings.
1997 Awarded Coach of the year from Australian Canoeing.
2000-2004 appointed Head Coach NSW Institute of Sport for Sprint Canoeing.
2004 appointed Australian Canoeing Men’s K4 Coach.
2004-2008 part time coaching for NSWIS
2008 and 2013 Cape Point Challenge Cape Town South Africa.
2020 Appointed Head Coach MWKC
When the Adaptive program started at MWKC and I was training Sam Bloom for the Worlds in Milan, Italy, I asked Brett if he could give me some help. As always, no problem, he trained with us and provided valuable input