About Us

MAKAI Paddlers Society was founded in 2009 by local paddling enthusiasts, Damian ‘Damo’ Staunton and Paul ‘Watto’ Watkins. Damo and Watto saw an opportunity in the local community for likeminded paddling enthusiasts to meet up regularly for training sessions, friendly competitions and social events. The club has grown to over 60 members in 2024, with ages spanning from 8 to 75, both competitive and social members.

We are based on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. We train on Burrill Lake, and paddle downwinds and offshore from Ulladulla Harbour every week of the year

Our members include local business owners, medical practitioners, schoolteachers and students, all who provide a great support network of volunteers to assist with our competitive and social events.

WHAT DOES ‘MAKAI’ MEAN?
ma·kai [muh-kahy]; adverb (origin -Hawaii) – toward or by the sea; seaward.