Hundreds of elite paddlers will make their way to Port Stephens next weekend for the NSW State Titles in marathon outrigger canoe racing.
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It will be the third year Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association’s (AOCRA) NSW Zone OC6 State Titles are held in Port Stephens.
Hosts Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club are expecting up to 300 paddlers from across NSW to compete in OC6 races (in six-man canoes) on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25.
Port Stephens coach Dean McGuinness said he was expecting good results in the state titles from the home club again this year.
“We have won quite a few races in different divisions throughout the NSW racing season, which started in October 2017,” McGuinness said.
“Last year our novice mixed and senior masters mixed crews won their respective race categories [in the titles] with our master women and master mix second and fourth in their categories.
“We hope to have a few crews winning medals again this year.”
Port Stephens has long been a favourite spot for outrigger canoe racing with a variety of conditions on offer – spectacular scenery, the calm waters of the Bay to the challenges of the open ocean, out through the heads and around the islands.
The 2017 state titles posed some challenging conditions for competitors with rough seas, wind and rain.
“Paddling in tough conditions sorts out the stronger crews but provides good opportunity for all to learn more about this challenging ocean sport,” Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club president Tony Compton said.
“It will be interesting to see what conditions are on offer this year.”
Races are held over three distances. The longest race is the hotly contested 18km long course race starting at Shoal Bay, circumnavigating Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Little Rock islands and then returning through the heads, finishing at Shoal Bay Jetty.
The 2018 NSW State Titles will include an ultra short race for beginners and less-experienced paddlers who are still learning about the sport.
This race is held inside the Bay and is a distance of 4km, which takes about half an hour for the crews to complete.
“It’s a great opportunity for new paddlers to see the wonders of our beautiful bay, as well as to test their developing skills, whilst racing against crews with similar experience” Compton said.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said he is thrilled to see the area actively promoted for the sport of outrigging and attracting competitive paddlers from across the state.
“Port Stephens is renowned for its stunning scenery and pristine waterways so it’s fantastic to be able to welcome back elite competitors from across the state to enjoy all that we have to offer,” he said.
Compton said he appreciated Port Stephens Council’s support, which included sponsorship to “enable a professional, safe and fun regatta for all competitors”.
“We hope that local residents will come along to see what it’s all about, and maybe join our club in the future,” he said.
“Without the help and support of our team of volunteers including not only club members but also their friends and family, we wouldn’t be able to run the event, and our volunteers really do make it all happen.”
The sport of outrigging, originating in Hawaii, first came to Port Stephens in 1995.
During the past 20 years the sport has grown throughout Australia with more than 60 clubs now registered with the national body, the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.
Competitors range in age from juniors as young as 14 to masters in their 40s, 50s and 60s. There are even paddlers competing in the platinum age division for 70 years old and above.
Mandy Robinson, who moved to Port Stephens last year, said one of the reasons she chose to live here was because of the “great outrigger canoe culture here”.
“I’ve been coming here from Sydney to race since the late 90’s and not only is it a great place for paddling because of the variety of conditions both inside the bay and outside the heads, but the scenery is spectacular and it’s so easy to get out on the water,” she said. “And, I never get tired of seeing dolphins.
“Through the outrigger club I have made a lot of friends. I’m so glad I moved here.”
Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club currently has 60 members which makes it one of the largest regional club in NSW.
