A Blessington man will travel to the Northern Hemisphere to research how Tasmania can become a premier whitewater and river surf destination.
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Adam Dickenson has competed in adventure and action sports for more than 30 years, including being an elite whiteboard kayaker for more than two decades.
He is one of 10 Tasmanians to be awarded a 2019 Churchill Fellowship, which will enable him to visit New Zealand, Canada, USA and Germany to better understand the process they undertook to develop whitewater facilities.
"Engineered whitewater parks and surf pools are being constructed at a rapid rate in the northern hemisphere," Mr Dickenson said.
"Tasmania can create the world's best whitewater and river surf facilities through the modification of hydroelectricity waterway infrastructure and through additional water releases from hydro dams."
A board member of PaddleTas, Mr Dickenson said the organisation had the vision to develop new whitewater facilities close to cities and towns across the state.
"This will enable residents to enjoy whitewater sport and recreation on a daily basis, as well as boosting the visitor economy," he said.
"Tasmania has a huge advantage with the opportunity to use hydro water flows and to modify existing infrastructure. This will enable us to construct facilities at a minimal cost. They will also be free for the public use and have almost zero operational costs."
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Mr Dickenson said the main focus was on the modification of dangerous weirs - low-head dams - into safe and surfable wave shapers.
"We are researching eight sites across the state with the potential to create 26 world-class standing surf waves," he said.
"PaddleTas is currently engaged in discussions with Hydro Tasmania about these sites."
One of the potential sites is the First Basin at Cataract Gorge.
"The modification of the existing weirs, combined with scheduled water releases, would enable residents to surf during their lunch breaks and after work," Mr Dickenson said.
Churchill Trust chief executive Adam Davey said the fellowships recognise people with passion and drive, providing an unrivalled opportunity to experience the world's best practice on issues that matter.
