Pittwater Outriggers Canoe Club brings recreational paddlers and athletes together
Based at Bayview and Palm Beach, Pittwater Outriggers Canoe Club has been bringing together people of all ages and abilities through outrigger canoe paddling since 1995. Combining fitness, teamwork and a love of the local waterways, the club welcomes everyone from recreational paddlers to competitive athletes, training side by side.
The club recently participated for the first time in the Hamilton Island Cup, taking home gold in the Golden Master OC2 8-kilometre event.
For committee member and novice senior master paddler Coralie George, the experience delivered everything the team had hoped for.
“Our goal was to learn, challenge ourselves and enjoy being part of such a fantastic event,” Coralie says. “Returning home with a gold medal, some strong race results and unforgettable memories made the experience even more rewarding.”
Coralie describes the club as having as much a social and recreational atmosphere as a competitive one.
“What’s quite unique about this club, and one of the things that I really like about it, is that it really caters for both social and competitive paddlers,” she says.
Even for paddlers like Coralie who joined for the social aspect, the inclusive club feel can lead to an interest in competing down the line.
“When I joined, I had no intention of being a competitive paddler. I was there for the Saturday social morning paddle, that’s all I wanted to do.”
When the idea of competing in the Hamilton Island Cup first came up, Coralie was swayed.
“I thought, ‘I would love to do that. I’ve never been to Hamilton Island. It would be great to go there and do something like this with the club.’”
It’s possible for all members to join a competition without the need for trials. “Whoever wants to go, we fit everybody into boats and put a team on the water,” says Coralie.
With many of the team competing in just their first or second regatta, the Hamilton Island Cup was a major achievement. Among the 12 paddlers competing was 15-year-old Harry, the youngest member of the squad, who lined up alongside his father Matt to share their first major outrigger competition together.
There’s plenty in store for Pittwater Outriggers in the future, with hopes to continue growing the squad. While the club took a hit during COVID, they’ve been building back up, hoping to acquire sponsorship to modernise equipment and help its athletes remain competitive.
Alongside the physical health perks, outrigger canoeing also has mental health benefits.
“Being out on the water, particularly for sunrise and sunset, is really meditative,” says Coralie.
“You’re out there having fun doing something you love, and you happen to exercise at the same time.”
New members are welcome year-round. For information about paddling or sponsorship opportunities email paddle@pittwateroutriggers.com.au