Paddle. Live. Love – The Legacy of Kaaren Sutcliffe Posted on: 07 September 2025

Next week’s Pink Paddle Power (PPP) event on the Gold Coast will host the much-anticipated launch of Paddle. Live. Love – the final novel by the late Kaaren Sutcliffe, a beloved Dragons Abreast paddler, elite sportswoman, and accomplished author.

Kaaren, who joined Dragons Abreast in 2019, was remembered for her grit on the water and her gift for storytelling. Even as life grew challenging between 2022 and 2024, she managed to paddle at regattas across the South Coast, Melbourne, New Zealand, and Canberra – and, remarkably, to write four books.

From Fantasy to Romance

Her Mage and the Bird Caller trilogy (2022–2023) captured the spirit of dragon boating in a unique way, introducing readers to Lamiya, a feisty sweep and coach whose adventures combined dragons, romance, rivalry, and river magic.

Now, Paddle. Live. Love – completed in 2024 – moves into the world of romance. Set in Narooma, the book tells a heartfelt, second-chance love story, rich with family, paddling, and the resilience of those touched by breast cancer. The story even revisits the first PPP event in Melbourne in 2022, where Kaaren competed and spoke as a guest.

Legacy and Launch

Soon after completing her manuscript, Kaaren joined Angels Abreast and entrusted her fellow paddler and editor, Kellie Nissan, to see the novel through to publication. With the support of Kaaren’s family and her paddling community, the book is now ready to be shared with the world.

Proceeds from book sales will support Dragons Abreast Australia and the McGrath Foundation, two causes close to Kaaren’s heart.

The official launch will take place at the Gold Coast PPP next week, where paddlers and supporters will gather to celebrate not only the regatta but also Kaaren’s enduring legacy.

Availability

Paddle. Live. Love will be available in both print and e-version formats. Readers can find more details or order directly via kaarensutcliffe.com.au
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