Ten crews take up passage Quest

Entries more than doubled for this year’s Enduro Quest, which is already a “must do” event in the dragonboat community.

The 37km paddle from Mission Point on Bribie Island to Lighthouse Reach, Caloundra was launched last year with four boats.

This year 10 boats took to the water on Saturday - seven from Queensland, two from NSW and one from Adelaide - with 170 paddlers.

The journey included morning tea among mangroves, turtles appearing by boats and plans to paddle at overseas events.

All completed the course just south of Caloundra to showcase an event designed to have minimal impact on the Pumicestone Passage environment.

Enduro Quest was launched after Maroochy Sea Serpents paddled down the passage accompanied by Caloundra Coast Guard.

Steve McLennan and John Cooper approached Michelle Hanton, from Dragonboat Queensland, with the idea.

"I thought it was wonderful having done both The Ord (Lake Argyle to Kununurra, West Australia) and Vogalonga (in Venice) myself several times,” she said.

“Our committee agreed. Enduro-Quest was born. Last year, I said I could see this being as popular as The Ord. I never expected that to happen within a year!"

Enduro Quest is supported by Marine Rescue Queensland and the Coast Guard who receive any extra funds from the event, after expenses.