From Worlds to Waves: Brett and Steve Take on the Pete Marlin Surfski Race

After wrapping up the 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, South Africa, Brett and Steve decided to extend their stay and take on one more challenge — the Pete Marlin Surfski Race. The annual 23 km downwind event, held off the coast of East London in honour of the late Pete Marlin, is one of the country’s most celebrated ocean paddling races, drawing athletes from around the world.

Coming off a strong showing at the Worlds — where both athletes handled Durban’s demanding open-water conditions with skill and composure — they carried that momentum into the Pete Marlin. The experience gained from the global championship clearly paid off: Steve claimed bronze, while Brett powered through to finish 4th in their respective age groups.

Staying on for the race was more than just a sporting decision; it was a chance to finish their international campaign on a high note. Brett and Steve gained solid results in both events and valuable experience in unpredictable coastal conditions.

Marathon Paddling Academy Makes Waves at the 2025 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships

The 2025 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships made a spectacular splash this year in Durban, South Africa, drawing over 500 paddlers from across the globe. With world-class athletes converging on the South-African coastline, the event showcased the very best of ocean racing skill, endurance, and spirit.

Representing the Marathon Paddling Academy (MPA), Brett Greenwood decided to take on the ultimate challenge—pitting himself against the world’s elite ocean racers. Brett was joined by Steven Coulter, a seasoned ocean paddler, who had trained with MPA during an intensive camp on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

For Brett, the competition was a bold step out of his comfort zone. Having spent most of his training time on flatwater, adapting to the unpredictable ocean conditions of Durban was no small feat. Despite that, he rose to the challenge with determination and grit, finishing within the top 20 of his age group—a remarkable achievement in such a competitive international field.

Meanwhile, Steven Coulter delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing both power and precision in the challenging ocean swells. His dedication and experience shone through as he secured an impressive 5th place overall in his age group, marking one of the standout results for the Australian contingent.

The results in Durban also highlighted one of the defining strengths of the Marathon Paddling Academy—the versatility of its athletes. MPA paddlers are known not only for their speed and stamina on flatwater marathon courses but also for their adaptability across different disciplines.

Whether it’s transitioning from marathon and ultra-marathon to sprint racing, from calm conditions to open-ocean swell, MPA’s training philosophy builds paddlers who can perform at a high level in any environment.

MPA Athletes Shine at 2025 ICF Masters Marathon World Championships in Hungary

The 2025 ICF Masters Marathon World Championships took place in the scenic city of Győr, Hungary, drawing top paddlers from around the globe. Among them was a strong team of five MPA athletes and regular participants in our academy program: Brett Greenwood, Daniela Torre, James Pralija, Alex Roberts, and James Harrington.

The team competed across multiple events in both single and double categories. James Harrington proudly represented Australia in the open short course single and also teamed up with Matthew Gates for the open long course double—an impressive showing on the international stage.

Brett Greenwood and Daniela Torre delivered standout performances in their respective single events, each claiming a well-earned gold medal. The duo also shared the podium in the mixed double race—an especially remarkable achievement after a dramatic start. A paddle clash with another boat led to an unexpected swim and a restart from behind the pack, yet they powered through to finish strong.

Brett also secured a silver medal in the men's double event alongside his partner from Western Australia, Kelby Murray.

Alex Roberts placed fourth in the highly competitive 41–44 age category, while James Pralija demonstrated grit and skill in one of the toughest divisions of the championships. Together, Alex and James teamed up in a double event, finishing in the top 10 overall.

James Harrington also held his own against some of the world’s best, putting in a solid and commendable performance throughout the event.

A special congratulations goes to Craig Elliot, who participated in the MPA academy training camp on the Gold Coast earlier this year. Craig went on to claim a gold medal in the mixed double event, partnered with Laura Lee.

Well done to all our paddlers for representing the academy and Australia

New South Wales championship was held in Canberra, MPA members competed across multiple divisions in ICF opens, masters, singles, doubles and general class boats. MPA brought home eleven gold, four silver and one bronze medals.

Five members of the MPA team traveled to Victoria to participate in the Murray River Triple Crown Challenge: Brett Greenwood, Dmytro Medvedyev, Daniela Torre, Steve Shelley, and Cassandra O'Connor. The event featured three races: a 64 km ultra-marathon, a team relay, and a short-course marathon.

MPA performed exceptionally well: Brett won both individual races, Dmytro placed second in the long race, and Dani and Cassie secured second place in the long-course team relay, finishing fourth overall. The MPA team also took second place in the team relay.

In addition to racing, the team had a great time both on and off the water. It was truly a race to remember!

The 2024 ICF Masters Marathon Championship was held in Metkovic, Croatia.

MPA was represented by a team of five paddlers: Brett Greenwood, Daniela Torre, Cassandra O'Connor, Tim Harrington, and James Harrington. They competed in various single and double races, with James partnering with Matthew Gates to represent Australia in the open double race.

Brett and Daniela both achieved gold medals in their respective single races and also secured second place in the mixed double race. Cassandra O'Connor finished fourth in her single race but claimed first place in the double race with Larissa Cleverly.

Tim Harrington competed in one of the most competitive age groups, demonstrating his skill and determination. James Harrington had a strong performance, competing against some of the world's best paddlers.

New South Wales championship was held in Canberra, MPA members competed across multiple divisions in ICF opens, masters, singles, doubles and general class boats. MPA brought home twelve gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Clarence 100 is an Ultra marathon event, where competitors need to paddle 106 km over three days. MPA members Brett Greenwood, Daniela Torre, and Dmytro Medvedyev raced in K1, which is considered to be particularly challenging during the last day in the wide river. Brett dominated the race, finishing first in every leg; Dmytro came second overall, and Daniela was second female across the finish line.

2023 ICF Masters Marathon Championship took place in Vejen, Denmark. MPA was represented by Brett Greenwood and Daniela Torre, who competed in single and mixed double races. Brett and Daniela had very successful races and fought till the last seconds for the top spot, winning silver medals in all their events.

Australian Marathon Championship took place in Geelong, Victoria this year. Over 300 athletes raced at Victoria’s Barwon River. MPA members competed as part of NSW team across most categories, including opens, masters, singles, doubles, and K4.

MPA brought home five gold and two silver medals.

MPA has a strong presence in the NSW state championship in Canberra.

Competed in all categories, opens, masters, singles, and doubles, MPA brought home 13 gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.