Gearing up for World Masters
A 70-year-old Booker Bay resident is gearing up for the sea kayak event at this year's World Masters Games in Sydney next month.
Mr Richard Thomas will contend in the 70 to 74 men's age group for the sea kayak marathon event.
The seven kilometre race will be held along the Nepean River near Penrith on October 13.
Mr Thomas has also recently competed in the Triathlon World Championships in Queensland finishing with a silver medal in his age division against 10 other competitors from around the world.
"This was a pretty pleasing result for an old bloke," Mr Thomas said.
"So I'm pretty excited to see what will happen next month in the World Masters."
Mr Thomas said his love of all things water first drew him to taking up kayaking as a hobby following his retirement 12 years ago as a survey draftsman with the Sydney Water Board.
This also led Mr Thomas to purchase a waterfront holiday home in Booker Bay where he now lives permanently with wife Sandra.
"Living so close to water is so relaxing and tranquil," Mr Thomas said.
"There is nothing better than waking up early and going for a paddle in my kayak along Brisbane Water.
"I have started training three times a week for the upcoming race and also manage a paddle with friends once a week from the Rip Bridge up to Half Tide Rocks and back."
Mr Thomas has been competing in water polo and triathlon competitions for more than 25 years and said he finds no greater joy than being outdoors and keeping active.
The World Masters Games are the world's largest participatory multi-sport event and feature 28 sports across several age groups.
Clare Graham, 16 Sep 2009
Interviewee: Richard Thomas, Booker Bay