The Walsh Brothers: How Australia Forges Champions

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you first discovered ocean paddling?

Matt Walsh
My name is Matt, I’m 26, I live on the Sunshine Coast, and I work as a lifeguard. I first discovered ocean paddling when I was around 14–15, growing up in Victoria. I joined a local club and started training regularly. Not long after, they took me to a regatta in Tasmania. I loved it straight away and never looked back.

Josh Walsh
My name is Josh Walsh, and I have been paddling outriggers for 8–9 years now. I have my older brother Matt Walsh to thank for getting me into the sport.

I first started in a small country town called Echuca, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. Matt had started a few years before me through our school, and my mum would take me along to watch training. Eventually, they convinced me to get into a canoe as well. My first solo paddle on the ocean came about 4–5 years after I started. A few years ago, I moved to the Sunshine Coast to fully commit to the sport. Since then, I’ve competed across a wide range of craft (OC, V1, SUP, spec ski, TC, C) and I’m keen to keep expanding my paddling experience.

Matt, can you walk us through your competitive record?

Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to achieve some great results across different competitions. In OC1, I secured the national title in 2025, after finishing 3rd in both 2024 and 2023. At the state level, I won the title in 2024 and placed 2nd in 2023. In team racing, I won the Sydney Harbour Challenge in V6 in 2024, and also finished 2nd at the Takapuna Beach Cup changeover race the same year. Earlier in my career, I placed 3rd at the World Championships (U19) in 2019. More recently, I took 4th place overall at the Bhuttys Memorial Race in New Zealand in 2024, which was another important milestone for me.

At the top level, what separates a good athlete from an elite one?

Josh Walsh
I believe anyone can become a good athlete, regardless of their background or natural talent. What really defines an elite athlete is the obsession with the small details and the constant pursuit of that extra 1% that gives you an edge over your competitors. Elite athletes also tend to focus on long-term goals rather than short-term wins.

What does a typical training week look like for you during peak season?

Josh Walsh
My training varies depending on the discipline I’m focusing on. During peak marathon season, my week typically includes 2–3 flat water HIIT sessions and 2–3 ocean sessions focused on catching runners, with longer efforts. One of those sessions usually lasts between 2–3 hours. I also include 2 pool swims, 3–4 strength sessions, and 3–4 runs each week. I’m lucky that my work allows me to train during my lunch break, which helps me stay consistent.

Australia is known for producing world-class ocean paddlers. How does training in Australian ocean conditions influence your level?

Matt Walsh
Training in Australian waters is very different from anywhere else in the world. It can be incredibly fun, but it also comes with challenges. The conditions are extremely diverse and constantly changing, which means no two sessions are ever the same. This forces you to adapt continuously and develop a strong understanding of the ocean, both technically and mentally.

How did you first discover Nalu Canoes?

I first came across Nalu Canoes shortly after the 2023 season. I was looking for a new canoe at the time and had a few conversations with Mick Herden from AUS Paddler HQ, who was looking to bring someone on board as a team rider. I was really intrigued by the opportunity and keen to try the brand, especially since it was still relatively new in Australia. From there, everything fell into place.

In high-performance racing, what performance elements do you value most in your OC1 Shaka?

Matt Walsh
What stands out the most is the feeling on the water. A lightweight canoe makes a huge difference, especially in dynamic ocean conditions. I look for a boat that performs well across all conditions, and versatility is key. Having equipment that allows you to adapt to any environment is essential at a high level.

Which other Nalu canoe would you like to try?

I’d love to try the Supersonic, especially in European conditions. It’s a canoe that’s widely used over there, so it would be interesting to see how it performs in those types of environments.

What are your key goals for the upcoming racing season?

Matt Walsh
I don’t have anything set in stone for the 2026 season, but I have big plans for 2027. Watch this space.

Josh Walsh
For the upcoming season, I’d love to go to Hawaii and compete in my first Molokai, whether solo or in a team. I’m also aiming to race internationally, including returning to events in New Zealand. Winning the Australian titles is definitely a goal, but I also want to focus more on ski paddling and achieve strong results there.