By JO SEARLE
Season starts strong for Noosa Paddlers
Noosa outriggers have started the OC1/OC2 racing season in fine style with positive results in the first race of the South Queensland Zone, hosted by the Bundaberg Outrigger Club.
Five Noosa paddlers participated in the race out of Burnett Heads on Saturday 2 August, with both short and long courses contested.
The short course race of 8km started with calm conditions in the Burnett River, but once the paddlers had rounded Burnett Heads into open waters they were faced with waves and windchop. Regardless of conditions, all the Noosa paddlers raced strongly and enjoyed great success.
John Goller was first across the finish line to take first in the OC1 Masters Men category and Des Mabbott who came home second won the OC1 Senior Master Men’s Division. Wendy Mabbot and Rhonda Crockford won gold on their OC2 in the Golden Master Women’s division, beating other OC2 crews in younger divisions, and Pip Kay came second to the 2013 champion in the OC1 Senior Master Women’s event.
In the afternoon, both Des and John backed up for the 16km long course, which comprised two circuits of the short course. Conditions were a bit windier which suited these two Noosa paddlers who revel in open water paddling. Des again clinched first in his category, but John, paddling against fresh competitors, was just outside the top three.
So overall, with five competitors in the regatta, Noosa paddlers achieved four wins and one second. A great result from a small contingent.
If you would like to try outrigger, grab your colleagues and join the fun of the NOCC Corporate Day being held on Sunday 4 September. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance team skills and bonding while having a great day of fun. For more information, contact Brian Rogers on 0458 629 025 or at brian.rogers45@yahoo.com.au
Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club always welcomes new members, so for more information or to come and try please contact noccsecretary@gmail.com or visit noosaoutriggers.com.au/
