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26 Jul 2010 Whitewater Conference Highlights
30 Jun 2010 Leon Wescombe - Memorial Trust Fund for Cystic Fibrosis Research
 

James Thorp
Andrea McQuitty, Monday, 26 July 2010

A feast of whitewater experiences to enrich the river experience

Whitewater Conference Highlights

The Canoe Tasmania Whitewater Conference this weekend brought together paddlers of all levels of experience from around Tasmania for a feast of whitewater experiences. Based at Tarraleah in Tasmania's central highlands, the conference provided an opportunity for some of Tasmania's most experienced paddlers to pass on their knowledge and experience in a relaxed and social setting.

Highlights of the weekend included:

  • Expert coaching, with video feedback,  provided to small groups who used Brady's Lake Whitewater Course to develop and refine their skills.
  • Award-winning photographer, Paul Hoelen's, masterclass on kayaking photography as well as his two shows - one of photos he took during the weekend and another of Tasmania
  • River running safety and Leadership sessions run by James Thorp.
  • Sories from around the World - three presentations on Working on rivers around the World, Competing around the World and River adventures around the World
  • Police Search and Rescue - Cases of river deaths and what can be learnt from them
  • Gear - latest innovations and designs
  • A 30 year history of exploring Tasmanian Rivers
  • Matt Newtons' DVD  - The Ditch
  • Rafting down the infamous Cruncher

 

 

Other Links
 Paul Hoelen
 Paul Hoelen Blogspot

Whitewater Conference

Whitewater Conference
 
Andrea McQuitty, Wednesday, 30 June 2010

A Trust Fund to raise money for cystic fibrosis research has been set up in memory of Leon Wescombe.

Leon Wescombe - Memorial Trust Fund for Cystic Fibrosis Research

Tasmanian paddler, Leon Wescombe, 29, is missing, presumed drowned, after a kayaking trip on the Consumnes River in California on June 13. Leon grew up in Devonport as part of a paddling family and a member of the Tasmanian Canoe Club, developing his skills at a young age on the Forth River. He became a highly experienced whitewater paddler who travelled around the World in search of good rivers. He was also a medical researcher who had won prestigious awards for his work and last week he was posthumously awarded his doctorate by the University of Sydney for his research into Cystic Fibrosis and Grave's disease. Leon was led into medical research following the loss of his mother from cancer when he was just nine.

Leon's family and friends have set up a medical research fund in his honour.

His father, Kerry Wescombe, says they hope to raise $100,000 to continue his son's work.

"There's never never enough funding for medical research," he said.

"They'll build bloody horse racing tracks and football grounds, but they won't spend any money on research.

"Constantly these projects are stopping because they can't get funding. So we thought; right, as something in his honour, we'll have this cystic fibrosis research fund."

"I've been already assured by the Menzies Centre and the cystic fibrosis organisation that every cent which goes into Leon's memorial trust fund will be spent on research," he said.

Mr Wescombe says so far they have raised more than $1,000.

To donate to the Leon Wescombe Trust Fund for Cystic Fibrosis Research go to:  www.everydayhero.com.au/leonwescombe

 

 

Other Links
 Leon Wescombe Trust Fund