More than four decades after representing Australia on the international paddling circuit, Grant Hughes has claimed a Masters world championship title and a doubles silver medal in Spain.
A member of Manly Warringah Kayak Club, based at Berry Reserve on Narrabeen Lagoon, Hughes competed at the 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in La Vila Joiosa from 9 to 11 October. He won gold in the men’s single surfski (SS1) Masters 70–74 category before joining Manly paddler Steven Coulter to secure silver in the men’s doubles (SS2) Masters 130–139 division. Hughes, who also serves as president of the Northern Beaches Outrigger Canoe Club, was among the Australian paddlers competing in the championship’s Masters events.
Gold In The Singles, Silver With Coulter
Hughes’ individual victory earned him the Masters 70–74 world title, adding another international achievement to a career spanning several paddling disciplines. His second medal came alongside Coulter in the doubles competition, with the pair finishing runners-up in their age category.
Hughes acknowledged that he is slower to get underway in races than he once was, but said he continues to rely on a strong finish. His years in the sport have included competitive paddling, coaching and participation in different paddling disciplines with family members. The Australian team finished third on the championship medal table, with several other Masters athletes reaching the podium.
Jeremy Norton secured silver in the men’s SS1 Masters 65–69 category, while Julian Norton-Smith claimed bronze in the men’s 50–54 division. Wendy Reyntjes also earned bronze in the women’s 50–54 event. In the doubles, Jamie Stubbs and Michael Moschogianis collected silver in the men’s Masters 110–119 category. The championships attracted more than 810 international competitors, with individual and doubles surfski races contested over 20 kilometres.
A Paddling Career Rooted In The Northern Beaches
Hughes’ international competition history dates back to at least 1984, when he represented Australia at the Marathon Canoe World Cup in Ireland. Competing in the K2 event alongside Brett Worthy, he finished sixth. His longstanding connection to Manly Warringah Kayak Club has also involved work away from racing.
Hughes previously worked as a builder for the club’s founding president, Len Turner, and contributed carpentry work to the club. His involvement has continued through paddling and coaching, alongside his responsibilities with the Northern Beaches Outrigger Canoe Club. His latest results join a broader Australian medal-winning campaign in Spain, which included Jemma Smith’s third women’s single surfski world title and Australia’s inaugural mixed doubles world title, won by Smith and Cory Hill. The next Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships are scheduled to take place in Tahiti from 30 September to 3 October 2027.
Published 22-October-2026
