2005
Griffith University Rowing Club was established after the Gold Coast’s last active elite coach retired from the sport.
A Griffith Univeristy Mens VIII attended Australian University Games and placed a surprise 7th rowing by invitaion in a wooden boat.
2006
Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor Jon Dewar suggests to the GURC an Oxford Cambridge like race between Griffith and UQ should be organised.
Mr Michael Jeh of the Griffith Sports College worked extensively with GURC to develop a race concept that would be attractive to Griffith University, other potential corporate sponsors and athletes.
2007
The Nerang River location was selected for its “heart of the Gold Coast” location, beautiful media friendly imagery and highrise media vantage points.
Discussions commenced between Marine Safety Queensland, Rowing Queensland and GURC which led to Race approval being granted for the October 2007 Griffith University Head to Paradise Regatta.
The Regatta, although a modest pilot event was a tremendous success and was enjoyed by all competitors. Mayor Ron Clarke and Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor were in attendance to present the winning crews with their medals and trophies.
Griffith University Head to Paradise Regatta Results
Gold Coast Head of the River
Millionaires Row
- Schoolboy VIII winners: Bruce Lynton BMW - TSS,
- Schoolgirl VIII winners: Environmental Data Services - St Hildas
- Corporate Mens VIII - Burleigh Bears Leagues,
- Corporate Womens VIII - Surfers Rowers
- Corporate Mixed VIII - Environmental Data Services
Griffith University Boat Race
- University Mens VIII - University of Qld
2008
The successful staging of the 2007 race encouraged the event organisers to create a more comprehensive and enjoyable Gold Coast experience from the renamed Paradise Regatta 2008.
With the support of Marine Safety Queensland and the Gold Coast Water Police a new on water management system was agreed upon to maximise safety and minimise risk.
Accessory events like the Rowing Machine Race at Circle on Cavil and the Paradise Regatta Ball at Holiday Inn fell into place. As did plans for the Oar Inspiring Breakfast and the concept of Adventure Sunday where teams select a great GC attraction to wind down from a big days racing.
The Gold Coast City Council extended their full support behind this budding sports tourism event as it dawned that what started as an invitation to UQ could also be extend to all of Australia’s 40000+ rowing and watercraft population.
The comprehensive weekend package was marketed to the Schools and Clubs of Brisbane and the Gold Coast with the surprisingly strong uptake of 140 competitors. All of these teams had successfully aquired corporate sponsorship based on the innercity location and strong ephasis the organing comittee gave to giving an advertising return in the Paradise Regatta’s event format and documentary filming.
Four of Australias 2008 Beijing Olympic Rowing Team contacted the Paradise Regatta following the Games with the desire to attend. This interest sparked the idea of honouring our Olympic and World Champion Rowing Heros each year at the Griffith University Paradise Regatta.
- Duncan Free - Mens Pair - Olympic Gold Medallist
- A special honour was bestowed upon Griffith University’s greatest ever rower, 4-time olympian and Gold and Duncan Free with the Trophy of the Griffith University Boat Race Mens 8+ being named in the alumni's honour.
- James Mcrae - Mens Quad - 4th (World Best Time) - Competed for GC Allschools!
- Chris Morgan - Mens Quad - 4th (World Best Time) - Competed for GC All Schools!
- Sam Conrad - Mens Eight - 6th - Competed for University of Qld
Griffith University Paradise Regatta Results:
The Paradise Regatta Sprint (Ergo):
- St Peters Lutheren College (Bow Side)
The Gold Coast Head of the River:
- School Boy VIII - Bruce Lynton BMW (TSS)
- School Girl VIII - St Peters Lutheren College (StP)
Millionaires Row (Corporate/Club/Masters):
- Q Deck Mens 8+ - Power Strategic
- Holiday Inn Mixed 8+ - KCs Fire Works
- Vern Reid Trophy Ladies 8+ - Moreton Hire
The Griffith University Boat Race
- Duncan Free Griffith Univeristy Boat Race Trophy - University Of Qld
- Griffith University Boat Race Trophy for Women - University of Qld
2009
January 2009
- Using feedback from competitors in 2008 the Paradise Regatta is restructured to make it a one day, media friendly event.
- RJ Media sign on as production and TV distribution company following review of 2008 Paradise Regatta DVD.
Mid 2009
- Griffith University sign on as Paradise Regatta major Sponsor for 3rd year in a row.
- Queensland Events Regional Development Program grant application successful.
- Gold Coast City Council Special Events grant application successful.
- Swift Racing Australia come on board as Official Rowing and Dragon Boat Builder.
- Rowing New Zealand agree to support the Regatta and send a star studded team including 2009 World Champions Mahe Drysdale (M1x), Hamish Bond (M2-), U23 Mens 4- and Olympian Nathan Twaddle.
- Rowing Australia agree to support the regatta and send a super crew consisting of Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Free (M2-), the Olympic Silver Medal winning Mens 4-, and 2009 World Silver Medallists Nick Hudson & Jared Bidwell (M4x).
Race Day 2009
- With funds directed to TV production the Ergometer race was moved from Friday night to Saturday morning. This change was well recieved and a great deal of fun was had by all crews. The new format of a 1500m team challenge with members doing 200m and before swapping was heaps of fun and made for great racing.
- Ergo Results (7am-9am)
- Schoolboys: Brisbane Grammar School
- Schoolgirls: St Peters Lutheran College
- Corporate Mens: TSS old boys 2007
- Corporate Womens: Moreton Hire
- University Men: University of Queensland
- University Women: University of Queensland
- Trans-Tasman King of the Ergo: New Zealand
- The crews headed over to the Gold Coast Arts Centre who had set up a world class viewing area at the finish line with live music, fully licenced marquees and freshly cooked food. A crowd of about 500 was welcomed on the day.
- Regatta Results (11am-4pm)
- School Boy 8+: The Southport School
- School Girls 8+: St Peters Lutheran College
- Corporate Mens 8+: TSS Old Boys
- Corporate Womens 8+: Moreton Hire
- Dragon Boat: Broadwater Dragons
- University Mens 8+: The University of Queensland
- University Womens 8+: The University of Queensland
- Australia New Zeland Boat Race: Australia
- The broadcast was seen on
- Fox Sports - 5 replays
- One HD - 3 replays
- ESPN/Star Sports Asia Pacific - 14 replays
- Sky Sports NZ - pending
