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7:49PM Sunday 12 October, 2008 Sunshine Coast weather Showers min 17° - max 24°

Grab a paddle to get fit

18 July 2008

Building on the success of its Get Active in Noosa program, the council’s Community and Development Unit (Tewantin) is continuing its Park It series of physical activities.

These are designed to get you “up and running”, paddling or singing by the sea (as the case may be).

On Wednesday mornings in Noosaville, you can find 72-year-old May Woodward breaking the surface of the otherwise tranquil Noosa River with a paddle – her swarthy band of fitness fanatics in tow.

May has been an avid sportswoman for much of her life through netball, swimming and bushwalking, prior to discovering the benefits of an upper body workout through outrigging.

“For me it’s an excellent way to keep fit from the waist up, since I had a fall and smashed my femur into three parts,” she explains.

“I’ve been paddling on Noosa River since I was 69, and have competed in Regattas in the past.

“But the club is not all about competition – the social aspects are really important. For instance, today we will have a coffee together, other times we meet up to go to dinner or the movies.

“A couple of years ago a few of the members travelled to Vietnam together.”

Located in the beautiful parks and outdoor areas throughout the Noosa coast and hinterland, the Park It program is open to people of all ages, experience or fitness levels.

The program’s activities include: tai chi, yoga, fitness circuits, outrigger canoe paddling, power walking, Sing to the Sea (a unique and expressive activity for reducing tension and increasing lung capacity) and Music and Movement – for babes, toddlers and their carers.

The winter season of Park It runs until August 31.

To find out more about the Park It program, contact the Community Development Unit, Tewantin office on 5449 5100.

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