Paddler prodigies gear up for nationals

By Owen Sinclair

Mar 7, 2025

After months of training, a quartet of kayaking talents is taking the country to the city.

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Emma Corrin, 16, and her brother Jack, 10, together with friends and training partners Callum Lincoln, 14, and Hunter Iskov, 16, are four of the 230 athletes from across Australia heading to Sydney next week to compete in the Canoe Sprint National Championships.

Held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre from Wednesday, March 12, to Sunday, March 16, the competition will see athletes battle it out to be crowned the quickest on the water.

After taking out the top gong at the Ben Ward 40 Miler in December, Emma Corrin is looking to book herself a spot in the Asia Pacific Championships in Japan later this year. She currently holds a personal best of 4 minutes, 49.69 seconds in the 1000m.

To qualify for selection to the national team, she’ll need to beat a time of 4 minutes, 25.52 seconds.

But it’s a challenge the young star is determined to meet head-on.

Emma Corrin pushes home in last year’s Murray Triple Crown. Photo by Owen Sinclair

While the Corrin siblings are no strangers to nationals, having competed a handful of times before, it’ll be Iskov’s and Lincoln’s first time ever.

Despite a few nerves, Iskov said he was excited about his nationals debut.

“I’m doing it for the experience,” he said.

“Next year, because I’ll be top-age, I’m going to try to actually do really good.”

It’s also Jack Corrin’s first crack at a race in the under-12s as a bottom-ager.

“I’m really excited, but at the same time kind of nervous,” he said.

“It’s a long way to go to fall in at the start or be age-champion. Either could happen.”

Corrin said he’s hoping to bring home all golds, but will at least do his best and leave it on the water.

In their respective age groups, the four paddlers will compete in the 1000m, 500m and 200m sprints. Pending them finding partners, they’ll also pair up for doubles and mixed-doubles.

Coaches Louise Greenwood and Robert Schram will travel with the group to Sydney. Greenwood, who will officiate, is also looking to defend her title in the Masters’ races.