Outriggers race across Broken Bay

Seventy-three teams from across the state competed at Broken Bay on Sunday, February 20, as part of the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association OC6 series.

The regatta, hosted jointly by the Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club and the Ocean Beach Surf Living Club attracted teams from Cronulla, Port Stephens, Ulladulla and Port Macquarie.

The Ocean Beach director of education and training Mr Richard Grimmond said: "The support that Ocean Beach SLSC provides to the annual event allows organisers to gain authorisation for the event.

"We are a community club and are pleased to be able to help out another local organisation."

Races were held over distances varying from 4km for the juniors and novices to 16km for the women's and men's events.

Races commenced in front of the Mantra Resort to the sounds of Hawaii Five-O music and boats headed out around Box Head and Lion Island before returning to the Mantra.

The regatta provided competition for club paddlers from all over NSW and the opportunity for the general public to view the canoes up close.

Since the first Australian regatta held in 1981, Outrigging has become a popular sport among both men and women with divisions ranging from Juniors (10 to 19) through to Golden masters (over 55s).

Email, 22 Feb 2011 Aaron Camp, Ocean Beach SLSC