Allana Bold

For more than two decades, Allana Bold has been quietly shaping Queensland’s paddling community—one confident stroke at a time.

As the founder and director of All About Paddling, Allana has built a respected career across canoeing and kayaking, delivering training and qualifications to outdoor educators throughout Queensland, northern New South Wales and, at times, the Northern Territory. Based on Brisbane’s northside at Shorncliffe, her work reaches far beyond her local waterways, supporting organisations, schools and communities to engage safely and meaningfully with the water.

That commitment was formally recognised when Allana received the Queensland Government’s Individual Achievement Award at the Outdoors Queensland Awards – an honour she describes as both humbling and affirming.

“It’s really showcased and highlighted the work I’ve done over the last 20 years and created some really fantastic outcomes in the outdoors industry,” she says.

At the heart of Allana’s work is education. Through All About Paddling, she trains and qualifies outdoor educators, equipping them with the skills, confidence and judgement needed to safely lead others on the water. But for Allana, the true highlights aren’t certificates or accolades; they’re the moments of transformation she sees in others.

“When I make a difference in people’s lives, when they are given the knowledge to feel very confident out on the water – that’s the highlight,” she explains. “Especially when it allows people to connect more deeply with their culture out on the water. That’s really special.”

Allana’s passion for paddling is deeply personal. The water, she says, is where everything else falls away.

“What I love about being out on the water is being out in nature. It’s a place where I can just be Allana. I don’t need to be a mother, a wife, a business owner, a trainer – I can just be Allana. It’s my happy place.”

That sense of joy and authenticity underpins her approach as an educator and mentor. Whether working with new paddlers, seasoned instructors or community groups, Allana brings warmth, clarity and an unwavering belief in the power of outdoor experiences to change lives.

She also values the broader outdoor community and the opportunity to connect with others who share her passion.

“I love these nights with Outdoors Queensland; being able to network with other outdoor educators and people like me who are so passionate about the outdoors and about bringing those special moments to the young people in our lives.”

Through her leadership, generosity of knowledge, and enduring love of the water, Allana Bold continues to leave a lasting mark on the outdoor industry, creating safer paddlers, stronger educators, and deeper connections to place along the way.

Source: Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games

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