| Name Paul Crawford |
| DOB 1 March 1969 |
| Family 2 perfect children…Logan (3) and Laria (15 months); 2 Australian Cattledogs |
| Profession International aid worker (www.aid-it.com.au) |
| Qualifications Doctorate of Philosophy, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Rural Science, Aircraft pilot |
| Other significant physical challenges Climbed Mount Kenya twice (4,985 m; second highest mountain in Africa) 2 marathons (Sydney) 4 half marathons (Sydney and Lake Macquarie) Numerous triathlons and 10 km races Several multi-day mountain bike expeditions Cycled around Tasmania as a teen-ager |
| Fears Injury Conflict within the team affecting sound decision-making |
| Name Robin Hay |
| DOB 17th April 1957 |
| Family Son: Thomas (17) who has just got his “P’s” (in more ways than one) so…congratulations! |
| Profession Genetic Counsellor (Google it if you are curious) |
| Qualifications BA (Contempory Music), Grad. Dip. (Genetic Couns.) |
| Other significant physical challenges Numerous self-supported multi-day mountain bike expeditions (biggest was 470km in 5 days when aged 49 yrs 51/52nd weeks!) |
| Fears Breaking waves; sharks! |
| Name Greg Gambrill |
| DOB 6 June 1953 |
| Family I answer to Vivienne and my kids, Joshua (22), Jordan (20), Caitlin (15), step-daughters Kelly (21) and Leah (19) |
| Profession Corporate Technical Manager |
| Qualifications PhD (Ecology), BSc (Geology), BA (Hons, Physical Geography),MAIFST, MAIBiol |
| Other significant physical challenges 3 marathons, 2 Six Foot Track ultramarathons, numerous City-to-Surf and other fun runs, rockclimbing, caving, mountain biking and bushwalking |
| Fears Starting lines! |
| Name Brendan Clark |
| DOB 11 July 1967 |
| Family Arja (16), Tomicka (14),, Joey (11), Billy (11), Bailey (9) and Lynita (30 something!)…and yes we have a TV! |
| Profession Physiotherapist |
| Qualifications BAppSc Physiotherapy, MHlthSc Sports Physiotherapy |
| Other significant physical challenges 5 marathons (including the Six-foot Track), World Masters 2km Beach Run Champion (2006), 100km Oxfam Trailwalker |
| Fears Hypothermia, team (un)cohesian, fatigue |
| Name Troy McDonald |
| DOB 25 August 1968 |
| Family Married |
| Profession Management Accountant |
| Qualifications Bachelor of Business, CPA |
| Other significant physical challenges Bunch finishes at state & national masters road & criterion cycle races, Iron Man, Audax Alpine Classic (200km cycle in Vic snow country) |
| Fears Sea sickness, big waves & cold water |
Why we’re crossing Bass Strait
Five mates. One Strait. One life. Why not?
Paul, Greg and Robin have been kayaking on Lake Macquarie and along the Hunter Coast for a couple of years. Brendan and Troy have joined up more recently. We’ve each earned some modest fitness and adventure credentials, but none of us have attempted a sea kayak expedition of the magnitude of Bass Strait.For several years, Greg, Robin and Paul have done end-of-year adventure challenges…mountain biking in Wollemi National Park, paddling up the Myall River, mountain biking to the junction of MacDonald River and Yango Creek. With Paul’s 40th birthday approaching he wondered if it wasn’t time to push the envelope a bit, and on a flight from Melbourne to Hobart he was transfixed by the string of Islands passing under the wing across eastern Bass Strait, and wondered if a sea kayak expedition could be the next big challenge.
About Our Name
When we approached the Black Dog Institute with our idea to paddle Bass Strait, they suggested that we needed a team name. We then had a protracted democratic process, reminiscent of the US presidential primaries…and eventually settled on the name ‘Paddledogs’. We paddle. We like the Black Dog Institute. We live near Newcastle (c.f. “Tap Dogs”). If we fall out of our boats, we dog paddle. One rude person suggested that ‘DOGS’ might stand for “Depressed Old Guys”! For all of the reasons…we’re the Paddledogs!
Our cool logo was designed by Arja Clark…Brendan’s eldest daughter (16). She’d like to be a graphic designer, and we reckon she’s got great talent. Email Arja (arja.clark@hotmail.com) if you have any design work you’d like her to do.