REDLAND Bay local Keith Coates, 84, has spent more than a decade paddling the calm waters of Moreton Bay each morning.
But this year, his daily ritual turned into something extraordinary.
A gold medal performance at the Australian Championships, where he not only won his age group but outpaced competitors as young as 45.
For many locals who see him gliding across the Bay at sunrise, he’s simply the friendly man in the kayak.
Few knew they were watching an athlete with a remarkable history and an even more remarkable comeback.
A lifelong paddler, he first took up the sport through surf lifesaving as a teenager on the NSW Central Coast.
His talent quickly drew attention, and by 1967 he had won three Australian titles and earned a place in an elite canoeing squad.
He was on track for national selection before budget cuts wiped out the canoeing team that year.
Life moved on, but paddling never left him.
When he moved to Redland Bay 11 years ago, he continued paddling recreationally until a melanoma diagnosis changed everything.
“I was very fortunate,” he said. “Immunotherapy worked for me, and seven years later I got the green tick.
“So, I decided I was going to do something for myself.”
That “something” became a disciplined training plan, guided by quiet determination and a smart watch.
The answer surprised even him: a race speed of 9.11km/h, fast enough to dominate multiple age categories at the national titles.
His reaction was simple.
“Elation. I exceeded my own expectations,” he said.
He hopes his story encourages other seniors to stay active.
“Paddling is low impact, and the Bay is a big place,” he said. “I’m lucky to have something I enjoy at my age.”
He’s already planning to defend his title next year.
For younger paddlers, his advice is straightforward.
Join a club and don’t underestimate the long-term value of staying active.
“We all think we’re bulletproof when we’re young,” he said.
“But later in life, your physical foundations matter. I’m fortunate I can still do what I love.”
