PADDLE NSW finished its marathon series with a successful final round in Wagga on Saturday.
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Close to 100 boats hit the water of the Murrumbidgee River where Sydney kayaker Toby Hogbin claimed victory in the division one event.
Hogbin completed the 25-kilometre course in 1 hour, 56 minutes and 32 seconds to claim a thrilling two-second win over Matt Blundell.
Wagga kayaker Laurie Fitzpatrick used his local knowledge to advantage to finish seventh overall and claim fourth place in division two.
Peter Murphy and Jenny McIlquham also performed strongly in a double paddle to finish third in division four, while Paul Reardon was another well-performed local to claim third place in division nine.
It was the final race in the 10-round series, hosted by the Wagga Bidgee Canoe Club.
Fitzpatrick said the annual event again proved a success.
"The conditions were perfect and the river was great, it was a good height," Fitzpatrick said.
"We had nearly 100 boats which was really pleasing.
"The SES were there and helped us out again which was good and overall it was a successful event which was great."
The series held its presentation dinner at the William Farrer Hotel on Saturday night.
Hogbin's victory was unable to get him a series victory with Blundell's second-place finish enough to claim the title.
The nine other races throughout the series were held at Canberra, Wyong, Woronora, Narrabeen, Penrith, Burrill Lake, Windsor, Cronulla and Lane Cove.
