About Us

The Blast project started around November 2008. The initial aim was to build a local paddling group in Balmoral, a northern beaches suburb of Sydney, in Australia.

Building something better

Although there were a few local paddling groups and well established regular weekly or monthly “time trials” around Sydney, the aim of Blast Paddlers was to form a paddling group to run regular time trials which were open to everyone, not just “members” ( i.e. of a Club ), but anyone who was interested in paddling.

The idea took off quickly, and from the very first ever Balmoral Blast where around 35 paddlers took part in the inaugural “Blast”, the basic idea took form and grew, both locally within the state of New South Wales here in Australia, and before long nationally across Australia, and now even across the globe.

Something the world can be part of and share

The idea is simple, to form a network of local paddling groups, provide them with all the tools and support they need to get up and running with regular time trials, small races, fitness paddling squads, training groups, technique clinics, demo days and social events, all through one simple to use web based Race Management System ( RMS ).

Removing barriers

Once it became clear we had something unique to offer, the decision was made to remove all possible barriers to entry for anyone with the desire to setup a paddling group in their local area, or to run some race events, and make it possible for anyone with an average laptop, basic internet access via a 3G modem/dongle, and a standard web browser ( Safari of Firefox, Explorer is NOT supported ).

The platform we now have allows anyone with a laptop and standards compliant web browser to learn in around 15 mins to use the Blast RMS, and be up and running, ready to form a paddling group, run time trials, or races, even series of races. This has completely changed the game as it has removed the long held view that running a paddling group or race event was expensive, difficult, and required a huge investment.

From small beginnings great things grow

Although it originally started as a small project to get a few of my friends together for a regular paddle and some regular training sessions and social paddles ( and dinners / drinks nights ), but before long, word of what we had built got out – people were talking about what we were doing, and how we were doing it, and interest in becoming part of the Blast project grew quickly.

This is what prompted me to get a little more organised, and take the success of the original Balmoral Blast in Sydney, in Australia, to what is now a rapidly growing network of paddling groups around the world, in almost every nation, where paddle sport enthusiasts of all walks of life wanted to be part of something they could enjoy with their friends and family.

What makes Blast different

One of the key success factors of the Blast project is that the model is very simple to establish and maintain. We make the process of setting up or running a paddling group, helping new members join by signing up with no up front joining fees or membership fees, and with the tools we provide for race management and timing, make it very easy to hold Time Trials and Races and provide accurate times and results.

The network is now growing very quickly

We’re rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing paddling groups around the world.. Our time trials each week get between 20 to 30 local padders at each group, all racing the clock and each other, at least once a month, fortnightly or more often even weekly.

Everyone is welcome, yes that means you

All paddlers are welcome, we don’t care what you paddle, as long as it’s safe and you can get it from the start line to the finish line, then you are welcome to come join a Blast near you and join one of the most amazing paddling communities you will ever meet.

Some of the categories of craft we regularly get at our Blast events include:

  • Surf Skis ( Ocean racing & SLSC Spec’s )
  • Kayaks ( Sea, River, Sit on top etc )
  • Outriggers canoes
  • Plastics or “sit on tops”
  • Stand Up Surfboards ( SUP’s )
  • Long boards ( aka “Prone” paddle boards )

What we currently offer at our Blast paddle groups

With the aim to have all Blast paddle groups around the world hold regular events run to a common format, we aim to see all Blast paddle groups around the wold offer members a wide range of support, training, events and services, including the following “standard” components of any Blast paddle group:

WEEKLY TIME TRIALS

  • Real-time computer timing
  • Individual handicapping
  • Real-time results
  • Results online instantly
  • Results emailed to you immediately

MONTHLY RACE EVENTS

  • Exciting set of rotating short, medium & long course events
  • Designed to suit all levels of paddler and paddling skill
  • Fun safe races for all types of paddle craft

SEASONAL RACE SERIES

  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Out & Back loop courses
  • Down wind events
  • Marathon distance evnts

TRAINING SQUADS

  • Technique clinics
  • Fitness squads
  • Cross training
  • Sprint & long haul paddles

SOCIAL EVENTS

  • Members meet up for regular social paddles
  • We also meet up for dinners & drinks on a regular basis
  • Manufacturer sponsored events

TECHNIQUE SQUAD SESSIONS

  • Olympic & pro coaches
  • Sessions designed to fine tune your technique on the water

DEMO DAYS

  • You get to try out all the latest manufacturer craft at the Blast
  • Manufacturers and Retailers sponsored prizes and BBQ’s

Don’t have a local Blast

If you don’t yet have a local paddle goup in your area, why not start your own local Blast now. It’s actually very easy, it doesn’t cost you anything, and you’ll quickly grow a fun friendly community of paddlers and make new friends.

To start a local site in your area, or for for more info, contact Dez now and find out how to go about it and you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by how easily and quickly you can be up and running with your own paddle group, offering all of the standard elements of the Blast model to your local paddlers in your region.

Who do you call

For all things Blast, contact Dez and he will put you in touch with your Country or Regional blast “agent”, or a local paddling group if one exists or is in the process of being established:

Name: Dez Blanchfield

Email: Dez@BlastPaddlers.com

Mobile: +61 414 464 356

Skype: dez_blanchfield