History of the Paradise Regatta
2005
Griffith University Rowing Club was established after the Gold Coast’s last active elite coach retired from the sport.
A Griffith Univeristy Mens VIII attended Australian University Games and placed a surprise 7th rowing by invitaion in a wooden boat.
2006
Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor Jon Dewar suggests to the GURC an Oxford Cambridge like race between Griffith and UQ should be organised.
Mr Michael Jeh of the Griffith Sports College worked extensively with GURC to develop a race concept that would be attractive to Griffith University, other potential corporate sponsors and athletes.
2007
The Nerang River location was selected for its “heart of the Gold Coast” location and beautiful media friendly imagery and highrise vantage points.
Discussions commenced between Marine Safety Queensland, Rowing Queensland and GURC which led to Race approval being granted for the October 2007 Head to Paradise.
The Regatta, although a modest pilot event was a tremendous success and was enjoyed by all competitors. Mayor Ron Clarke and Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor were in attendance to present the winning crews with their medals and trophies.
- School VIII winners: Bruce Lynton BMW – TSS, Environmental Data Services – St Hildas
- Corporate 8 Winners: Mens – Burleigh Bears Leagues, Womens – Surfers Rowers, Mixed – Environmental Data Services
- Griffith University Boat Race – Mens VIII – The University of Queensland
2008
The successful staging of the 2007 race encouraged the event organisers to create a more comprehensive and enjoyable Gold Coast experience from the renamed Paradise Regatta 2008.
With the support of Marine Safety Queensland and the Gold Coast Water Police a new on water management system was agreed upon to maximise safety and minimise risk.
Accessory events like the Rowing Machine Race at Circle on Cavil and the Paradise Regatta Ball at Holiday Inn fell into place. As did plans for the Oar Inspiring Breakfast and the concept of Adventure Sunday where teams select a great GC attraction to wind down from a big days racing.
The Gold Coast City Council extended their full support behind this budding sports tourism event as it dawned that what started as an invitation to UQ could also be extend to all of Australia’s 40000+ rowing and watercraft population.
The comprehensive weekend package was marketed to the Schools and Clubs of Brisbane and the Gold Coast with the surprisingly strong uptake of 140 competitors. All of these teams had successfully aquired corporate sponsorship based on the innercity location and strong ephasis the organing comittee gave to giving an advertising return in the Paradise Regatta’s event format and documentary filming.
Four of Australias 2008 Beijing Olympic Rowing Team contacted the Paradise Regatta following the Games with the desire to attend. This interest sparked the idea of honouring our Olympic and World Champion Rowing Heros each year at the Paradise Regatta.
Duncan Free – Mens Pair – Olympic Gold Medallist
James Mcrae – Mens Quad – 4th (World Best Time) – Competed for GC Allschools!
Chris Morgan – Mens Quad – 4th (World Best Time) – Competed for GC All Schools!
Sam Conrad – Mens Eight – 6th – Competed for University of Qld
A special honour was bestowed upon Griffith University’s greatest ever rower, 4-time olympian and Gold and Duncan Free with the Trophy of the Griffith University Boat Race Mens 8+ being named in the alumis honour.
Paradise Regatta Results:
The Paradise Regatta Sprint (Ergo):
- St Peters Lutheren College (Bow Side)
The Gold Coast Head of the River:
- Bruce Lynton BMW (TSS)
- St Peters Lutheren College (StP)
Millionaires Row (Corporate/Club/Masters):
- Q Deck Mens 8+ – Power Strategic
- Holiday Inn Mixed 8+ – KCs Fire Works
- Vern Reid Trophy Ladies 8+ – Moreton Hire
The Griffith University Boat Race
- Duncan Free Griffith Univeristy Boat Race Trophy – University Of Qld
- Griffith University Boat Race Trophy for Women – University of Qld
The event was a huge success with all sponsors and athletes looking forward to the 2009 Paradise Regatta
Confirmed Date: Friday 9th October to Sunday 11th October! Start training at your local club today!
