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Ross Cook, of Rosco Canoes in Kedron, Brisbane, has been named winner of the Queensland Government's Outstanding Achievement (Individual) Award at the 2013 Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards.

Cook, a passionate canoe and kayaker, was recognised at the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards for his many contributions to outdoor recreation in Queensland over the last 40 years, which include his:

• Development of canoe and kayak instructors;

• Encouragement of participation in canoe and kayaking; and

• Design and manufacturing of sought after canoes and kayaks.

Cook's story reads like one from a children's adventure book. Inspired by pictures of beautiful canoes in spectacular settings he had seen in old books, 10 year old Ross set aboutbuilding a wood and canvas canoe by hand and joined the Indooroopilly Canoe Club. From these humble beginnings, Ross has lead the way in canoe and kayak design and the manufacturing of canoes and kayaks for recreational use, through to expedition vessels.

Cook has paddled throughout Australia, New Zealand and Canada and spent many years passing his paddling skills on to instructors through his role with Australian Canoeing. His passion for paddling and local inspiration mean that many others interested in paddling have access to some of the best paddling technology in the world, developed in Brisbane.

The purpose of the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards is to recognise and reward excellence in outdoor recreation and celebrate individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the outdoor recreation sector.

Welcoming Ross' award, Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) Executive Officer Murray Stewart stated "QORF is really pleased to make this award to Ross and recognise his contribution, passion and expertise that have contributed to the development of the outdoor sector.

"With this award to Ross, there is also a timely reminder to outdoor recreationists across Queensland regarding the importance of gear selection when we embark on activities involving the natural elements.

"Increasingly, we are seeing inferior products enter the leisure market, and we take this opportunity to encourage people to ensure they are accessing local knowledge and expertise, and equipping themselves with the most appropriate gear for the outdoors to maximise the quality and safety of their outdoor experiences."

Other winners in the 2013 Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards included:

The Queensland Government Outstanding Achievement (Individual) Award - Ross Cook

The Brisbane City Council Outstanding Achievement (Organisation) Award - Queensland Moto Park at Wyaralong

The K2 Basecamp Encouragement Award - Thomas Powell, Anglican Church Grammar School

The Queensland Government Encouraging Participation in Outdoor Recreation Award - Moreton Bay Regional Council's Outdoor Adventure Families Program

Queensland Government Environmental Award - Tinaroo Environmental Edcation Centre

The FSR Skills Alliance Excellence in Outdoor Instruction and Education Award - Queensland Conference & Camping Centres

The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Government Achievement Award - Ipswich City Council's Enviroplan

The Brisbane City Council Outdoor Event Award - 23rd Australian Scout Jamboree, organised by Scouts Australia Queensland Branch

QORF congratulated all finalists and winners on their achievements.

The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Awards are supported by the Queensland Government.

For more information go to www.qorf.org.au 

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