Outrigger race in front of resort

Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club and Outrigger Ettalong Beach Resort will host the Te Ika Nui Outrigger Regatta on Sunday, January 22.

Clubs from across the state will converge upon Ettalong to compete against local team, the Te Ika Nui Club.

The event has been specially planned for spectators to take advantage of the views to Lion Island, with all starts, finishes and sprints occurring in the water directly in front of the club and resort, according to Ettalong Beach Club publicity officer Mr Scott MacKillop.

"The outrigger canoe is the vessel of the ancient seafarers of the Pacific Island region," Mr MacKillop said.

"Designed for ultimate lightness in the water, it has been used as a war canoe, but was ideally suited for extended travel, often for weeks.

"Though traditionally built from a single tree trunk, racing canoes are fibreglass or kevlar replicas, designed for race conditions and regattas consist of varied events across all age groups, both sprint and endurance."

Races start at about 9.30am and final presentations will take place at Ettalong Beach Club at 3.30pm.

The Te Ika Nui Club will have a sausage sizzle, cold drinks and coffee available on the foreshore.

The Tallow Beach Terrace at Ettalong Beach Club will provide the perfect viewing platform, with cold beer on tap and jazz from 11am, according to Mr MacKillop.

Press release, January 11 Scott MacKillop, Brilliant Logic