Pink Paddle Power 2025 – Connection, Flamingos and Plenty of Pink on the Gold Coast
Submitted by Sharon Cooper, DAA Board Director.
More than 350 paddlers, supporters and friends gathered on the Gold Coast, Queensland, for Pink Paddle Power 2025, celebrating survivorship, connection and community. From the Meet and Flamingle to the Regatta, Social Paddle, Gala Dinner and Convention, the weekend was full of pink feathers, joy and inspiration. Hosted by Dragons Abreast Gold Coast, Dragons Abreast Wollumbin and Dragons Abreast Australia, the weekend sought to connect paddlers, share stories, celebrate life, and look to the future on and off the water.
Things kicked off on Friday night with our Meet and Flamingle – a great way to welcome everyone to the weekend! We were thrilled to have Meri Gibson, President of the IBCPC join us for this event, and throughout the weekend. The room was buzzing as friends reunited, new connections were made and laughter filled the air. It was the perfect way to set the tone for a weekend that was equal parts fun, competition and inspiration.
Saturday was all about racing, with over 300 paddlers, forming 15 mainly composite crews getting on the water. Currumbin Creek came alive as crews paddled with determination and joy, with the spirit of survivorship and teamwork that makes this community so special. Every stroke was a reminder of strength, resilience and the simple joy of being out on the water together. After stiff competition - especially from our New Zealand friends who joined us for the weekend - the winner was local crew Dragons Abreast Wollumbin.
Sunday morning brought a slower pace with a relaxed social paddle on the Tweed River, giving everyone the chance to take in the scenery, share a few laughs and enjoy the special bond that paddling creates. The day wrapped up in true DAA style with the Gala Dinner – an evening of celebration, connection and plenty of dancing. Stories were shared, achievements recognised and friendships strengthened, all in an atmosphere overflowing with warmth and gratitude. One of my favourite things at a DAA event is as soon as the music starts there is a tsunami of paddlers ready to dance the night away.
The final day, Monday, was dedicated to the PPP25 Convention, a day of learning and sharing. With 7 presentations designed to help our members to thrive, covering topics including cyber security, exercise, DAA’s purpose and vision, the convention provided new ideas and practical tools to take back to clubs and committees across the country. The conversations were open, positive, supportive, thoughtful and touched on issues relevant to our members.
PPP25 was everything we hoped it would be: pink, powerful and full of heart. It reminded us why we paddle – to Connect. Move. Live. – and to keep building the friendships, strength and courage that unite paddlers everywhere. Thank you to Dragons Abreast Gold Coast and Dragons Abreast Wollumbin for an unforgettable weekend.
