TWEED paddlers will clash with the world when they take to the waters off the Sunshine Coast for the Va’a World Sprint Titles in May.

Junior crew members Kauri Williams, 17, and brothers Willis, 16, and Justin Keogh, 14, are part of the Boomerangs (Australian 14-19 years-old) at the championships, and are the youngest in their age divisions.

The trio were selected after a series of nationwide camps and have been training intensely for the past year in preparation for the titles, which showcase the world's fastest paddlers in one, six and 12-person events.

Although Williams and Willis Keogh have only been paddling for three years and Justin one year, they’re buoyed about their chances after Williams and the eldest Keogh achieved silver medals in February’s Sydney Harbour Challenge against adult crews over 22 kilometres.

“It’s a big step up in competition, but our crews are looking alright,” Willis said

Williams, whose father Paki Williams will compete in the Golden Masters Men’s division, said the crew had been training with other paddlers at the Gold Coast Outrigger Club with the national junior coach.

The Golden Masters Men’s crew, including Williams, Bill Lonie and Guy Sinclair, are also confident of a strong showing as part of a six-person team..

Although in their 60’s and having only paddled together from the start of this year, their crew has excelled, as a unit and individually, winning a string of national medals between them, including a gold medal at the Sydney Harbour Challenge.

“We put the team together just ten weeks before we started training for the world’s,” Williams said.

The crew said they trained six days a week and were a strong unit.

“We push each other all the way and work together as a team,” Lonie said.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good chance at the Titles.”

Thirty-five countries and 3000 competitors will contest the titles, beginning May 5.