Dr Grant Wilkinson (“Wilko” as he is known) is a world renowned ski paddler, best remembered for his big wave skills at the famed Piha Beach in New Zealand and at Portsea, Victoria during the Uncle Toby’s Ironman Series.

In late 2000, Grant was commissioned by SLSA to write their level 1 & level 2 coaching manual making him the youngest person to ever be externally commissioned to do so by any Australian sporting organisation. He continues to lecture and present coaching courses around the world having last run a coaching camp in Italy as recently as September 2008.

Grant is also one of only a handful of people to win medals at major championships (NSW State, Australian & World Championships) in just about every water event. With over 60 medals from major championships, Grant has won medals in: Swim, Swim Teams, Board, Board Rescue, Board Relay, Ski, Double Ski, Ski Relay, Taplin Relay, Ironman, IRB and Surf Boat Rowing. 

As far as ski paddling goes, Grant has pretty much won them all! With his traditional ski colours of white and 2 red stripes he has be crowned:

• World Champion

• Australian Champion *

• NSW State Champion

• Sydney Branch Champion

• Twice Age Group World Open Ocean Paddling Champion (the “Molokai” crossing in Hawaii)

• Australian Double Ski Champion *

• Ski Relay Champion

• Australian Ironman Champion *

• NSW State Ironman Champion *

* Denotes age category

In 1996 Grant was also selected as one of the ironmen to star on the Hollywood hit TV series “Baywatch” along super-stars such as Pamela Anderson, David Hasslehoff and Gena Lee-Nolin adding even more shine to his illustrious career.  Since his formal retirement from open competition in 2007, Grant has focused more on coaching and development of new and young paddlers, whilst still competiing in masters competitions and relay events although he hasnt ruled out a return to open paddling after 2009.