Pottsville Bridge to Bridge launch

By Jo Kennett

AROUND 38 stand-up paddleboarders lined up for the inaugural Pottsville Bridge to Bridge event on Australia Day, January 26, under sunny skies but with a northerly headwind.

The ladies completed the race in around 40 minutes, with well-known local fitness fanatic Robyn Cahill taking out the race.

Alistair Schuback won the men’s event with competitors gathering for the presentation afterwards.

Event organiser Mike Lubans said he was at a barbecue with a couple of friends thinking about what they were going to do on Australia Day when the idea was born.

“We came up with the idea of a Bridge to Bridge paddle race but then both those guys left town for Australia Day so it fell on me,” he said.

“I just chucked it up on the Pottsville Facebook page and it went bananas which was great. “Within two hours of me putting the post up Potty Mouth Pizza and Pure Health Therapies in Pottsville said they wanted to donate some prizes so it’s just awesome.”

Raffles