Sport
23 November, 2025
Kayaker ‘battles’ all the odds
CARAVONICA paddler Lyn Battle has achieved what once seemed impossible – completing the 111km ‘classic’ distance of the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic in New South Wales.
Battling injuries, logistical challenges and a back-to-back training schedule, Ms Battle finished the overnight paddle in 14 hours and 41 minutes alongside ocean-kayaking legend Richard Barnes.
Her journey to the Hawkesbury began years ago while living on Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“The thought of going to Sydney to take part in the Hawkesbury seemed so out of reach,” she said.
After moving to Cairns, Ms Battle found a way to train safely at Cairns Wake Park and on sea paddles with local recreational groups.
“Getting permission to paddle on the lake every morning made it possible to consistently build distance,” she said.
Her preparation wasn’t without setbacks. A rotator-cuff tear, a torn QL muscle and a bulging disc in her back threatened her chances just weeks before the race.
But with guidance from a paddling-savvy physio and support from the Tinaroo Canoe Club, Ms Battle persisted.
“Richard reassured me that our double kayak, ‘Kermit’, was stable and we would make use of all the rest stops,” she said.
The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic on 8-9 November 2025 drew hundreds of paddlers for a night-long river challenge.
Volunteers and community groups supported racers at checkpoints along the route.
For Ms Battle, the highlight was an unofficial stop at ‘Low Type Pit Stop’.
“There was a bonfire, hot chocolate and sandwiches – camaraderie in the middle of nowhere. That summed up the whole event for me.”
Representing the Tinaroo Canoe Club, the duo also raised over $3000 for the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation, supporting research into stem cells and bone marrow.
“It means a lot personally,” Ms Battle said.
“I have a friend who has needed stem cell treatment, so knowing this money goes to people who need it makes it even more special.”
Ms Battle hopes her achievement will inspire other FNQ paddlers to take on the Hawkesbury.
“It’s a long way from here, but there are strong paddlers in Cairns. This event is well-organised, fun and the experience is unforgettable,” she said.
At 63, she is living proof that age is no barrier to big adventures.
“The oldest paddler in the classic was 80,” she said.
“We’re never too old to aim for things like this.
“When I lived on Sweers Island, the logistics of even getting to the mainland were too difficult and expensive.
“Sometimes it’s only when we retire that we can do things like this. Don’t let age stop you.”
Ms Battle said that kayaking was a low-impact sport, making it ideal for individuals with conditions affecting their knees, hips or backs.
“I was never sporty when I was young, but lots of the sporty ones are no longer active, so we’ve got less competition, ha ha.”
With injuries behind her and a medal in hand, Ms Battle is already thinking about her next adventure.
“If Richard said there was one more bend to go, I’d have done it gladly. I can’t wait to do it all again,” she said.
