Deb Sutherland

Why I joined the club I went up to the Murray with my daughter Ali in 2006 to join George and my son who was paddling with Trinity. We arrived at Cohuna where there were hordes of mosquitoes, it was still above 35 degrees at 9 at night and there was no shade. The following day the temperature was well over 40 degrees, so we decided that if we were ever coming on the Murray again it would only be by paddling on the water. The following year Ali joined the MCC kayak team and I joined FCC.

How often I paddle?

I paddle 3 times a week but this is work-dependent. I really enjoy the club Sunday session with the friendly competition and banter. I began paddling Tuesdays and Thursdays at the 4.30 pm session in 2009 with Steve Gadsten and Mick Kane. They were very gentlemanly, slowing down when I fell off the wash, and in winter I learned to paddle in the worst storms thanks to Steve’s enthusiasm! I currently paddle in the FCC/INCC session although this involves sitting in the backwash of fast K1s such as Chris Runting, Harry Brockwell and Simon St Neill.

What kind of boat do I use?

I have a fleet of old K1s, K2s and TK2s. I usually paddle a K1 laser, which leaked for several months before we discovered the hole under the footplate, or my son’s Tiger. I also bought Peta Waites’ K2 which Peter Goldsworthy kindly made seaworthy. A recent acquisition, a TK2 which is a great boat but which began to sink on its maiden voyage with Peter Goldsworthy, is in dry dock at present. It has been noted that we have almost as many boats as the Campbells!

When not paddling …

I have always worked as a physiotherapist in sports medicine and more recently work in an occupational setting both as a hands-on physio and manager. I enjoy the application of biomechanics to both rehabilitation and all sports. 

I have worked as a cross-country ski coach and teacher in Norway and Australia, and the family loves to cross-country ski still, time permitting. We bushwalk and cycle, and I try to run several times a week. We like to combine travel with exercise and have had some wonderful trips: sea kayaking in Alaska, cycling in Bali and skiing in Poland and Norway.

Funny things?
 
One of the most exhilarating paddles I’ve ever had was with Graham Higgins, paddling into Echuca during the Murray Marathon. We were overtaking a paddle steamer with a huge wash when another one came in the opposite direction. I yelled at Graham to ask him what to do and his advice was to go between the two. I was terrified! The wash was huge and just as the paddle steamer passed, two more appeared. As the water poured in, completely covering my knees – we had no spray deck - a voice from the back seat called out “Hey Deb, are we taking on any water?”

About the club

I really enjoy the friendly ambience of the club. I think the club’s strong points are the promotion of social interaction and inclusiveness, accommodating a broad range of paddler ages and standards. I feel the social activities are important, and there are always people to talk to, to help out with advice on boats and paddling technique, and to paddle with individually or as a team. I have recently joined the technical committee and look forward to contributing to programs designed to promote both fitness and technical expertise.