Outrigger club affiliates

The Te Ika Nui Outrigger Canoe Club Box Head has become affiliated with the national outrigger association.

The club, based at Anderson’s Wharf, Ettalong, joined the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) on August 29.

Outrigger canoeing was introduced into Australia in 1976 and the first competition regatta was held in 1981 at Hamilton Island.

The national association was incorporated in 1988 to promote and administer the sport nationally.

There are now approximately 50 clubs in Australia.

Outrigger canoes are raced in North America, Hawaii, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Guam, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands and New Zealand - in total 21 countries worldwide.

World championships are held every two years. Local, State and National championships are held annually.

"The sport is growing rapidly in popularity and is ideal for the conditions on the Peninsula, with the whole of protected Brisbane water and the excitement of the ocean surf to enjoy," said club spokesman David Brooks.

"It’s a great form of exercise and fitness and suits social and competitive participants, junior to senior paddlers, in racing categories from Juniors (10 to 18) to Under 21, Open (21 to 35), over 35’s and over 45’s."

Anyone interested should contact David on 4341 1300 or Maaria Wardrop on 0409 132 722.

Press release, September 3