Manly-Warringah Kayak Club

In 1982 there were no State Institues 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 Habour.
The inangural meeting to form the MWKC was held at the North Narrabeen SLSC on the 10th April 1983. Len Turner / Presidient, Chris Luhrman / Secretary, Craig Susan / Tresurer, Brett Worth / Race Secretary, Lyn Artchison / Vice Presidient

Initial races were staged from Narrabeen Caravan Lake every 2nd Sunday and North Narrabeen SLSC kindley 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 19987-88 stage one of the MWKC was commenced and built entirly by voluntary labour.
Special thanks for the completion of the orinal clubhouse goes to: Bill Worth (Former North Narrabeen SLSC Presidient) Paul Munro, Grant Hughes, The Byrnes Boys, Peter Tedeseo.

The early years of the the MWKC will be remembered for the tremendous achievements of a small group of enthusist, who built the STRONGEST KAYAK CLUB IN AUSTRALIA, from the humble beginning 16 years ago!!

"Len Turner" (Life Member)