GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Paddler back to defend title

 Brisbane kayaker Tim Stenlake will be back to defend his Coomera Cup title at the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, October 17-19.

The 22-year-old paddling prodigy has his sights set on the Rio Olympics in 2016 but has confirmed he again wants his name engraved on "that big Cup" – the winner's trophy for the 12km Coomera race.

"The Coomera Cup is all about fun but there's always a competitive element so it will be interesting to see who turns up," said the university student who, after a bout of glandular fever earlier this year, is back paddling up to 120km and spending 1.5 hours in the gym four days each week. 

"It will also be a good workout before The Doctor in Perth at the end of November and a good chance to just enjoy everything at the Expo too … the big boats and other fun toys."

Organiser and coach, Julian Norton-Smith from Gold Coast-based Paddle2Fitness said people with all levels of paddling experience would take part in the 12km Coomera Cup.  

"It's a tight course which features what is perhaps the world's most expensive turning buoy: a $2 million super-yacht,” said Julian, himself a former national and world champion.

"Plenty of paddling people want to experience competition and this is a great opportunity to do it in front of the huge crowd of spectators.”

Last year the Expo drew 21,000 people through its gates across three days and, given organisers have already had to expand the event site to cater for exhibitor demand, this year's Expo is shaping up as the biggest and best yet.

Now in its fourth year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo has to date provided over $50,000 to beneficiary charities the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and now the Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation.

For more information on the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, visit the new website www.gcmarineexpo.com.au or contact Emma Milne on 0447 758 884.