Ron Lane
For the Noosa Outriggers Club this is certainly a busy week.
For the club, their week started on Sunday midday with the blessing and launching of their new six-person canoe, training sessions during the week and tomorrow, Saturday 28 January, the club will host a regatta, weather permitting, on Noosa’s West Beach. Junior events will be conducted in the Noosa River.
With 20 clubs travelling from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg, some 400 paddlers can be expected on West Beach.
Crews are hoping to qualify for the big Australian event 26 February on the Sydney Harbour.
Regarding the blessing and launching of the new canoe, a large number of members, both men and women, were in attendance with the highlight being their acknowledgement of the Polynesian culture. From deep within a culture that is centuries old, it is good to see that the Noosa club is upholding traditions passed down from its people.
‘’When we come together to name and bless a canoe, we acknowledge the culture that gave birth to our sport and the spirit of Aloha. In our context I believe that the spirit of Aloha encourages us to respect other paddlers, to respect the ocean we paddle on and respect the canoes we paddle in.
“Together we name this canoe Cooroibah and together we bless it, and everyone who paddles in it with a spirit of heart and commitment. May the spirit of life watch over all who paddle in Cooroibah. Paddle strong paddle safe, strive to reach your goals and above all enjoy the Aloha of our sport.”
Speaking as a senior member with 24 years service, Ian Vivian said, “I believe there are very good reasons to retain some of the traditions and culture of our Polynesian sport. A respectful culture will define the success of our club.
“Naming and blessing of the canoe before it goes to the sea is just one of the traditions.“
He then went on to recognise Zandra Brown and Evan Gartrell, who 33 years ago became the founders of the club, management committees both past and present, plus Chris Horan and the maintenance team were noted.
With regard to the names, Noosa mostly chose ones from the Polynesian language. However, this time the club chose one from the Australian names, from our local environment came the name, Cooroibah. An Indigenous name from the Kabi Kabi people, meaning ‘place of possums.’
Since the club began back in the late ’80s, 21 OC6 canoes were introduced into the club family. Of these nine were later moved on to other clubs. In the First Paddle Out (of the new outrigger) it was an honour, Polynesia men only by tradition, but on this occasion, specially chosen women were allowed.
These were chosen by the club’s birthday boy Hugh Bingham celebrating his 90th birthday, and all went well. For Hugh it was indeed a great birthday, having been in the club for 17 wonderful years, and being involved with the blessing and the launching, and mingling with his club mates. What could be better?
When asked, “Are you still paddling?” His answer was definite.
‘’Yes, and I also train three times a week. I still enjoy being energetic. I have lived 35 years on the Sunshine Coast and loved every minute. I was born in NSW and lived with a family that moved around a lot.
“When I left home, I also travelled and I have lived in such places as New Guinea, Scotland and Melbourne, and have been married twice. Then, at age 55 I finally settled on the Coast and have been here ever since and, as I said, I am still paddling.”
The Noosa Outrigger Club is going strong with a membership of 128. Members start at age eight (minors) and also 12-year-olds up to opens which start at 19. This age group goes 19 to 39, masters 40 to 49, seniors 50 to 59, goldens 60 to 69, and platinum 70 to 79. Regarding canoes they have 11, six- man canoes.
The atmosphere of the club is good.
‘’We have a good solid culture and background. We all work together and have respect for each other but no Polynesian heritage. Still have very strong family bond. We stand together and have respects for our boats and the water.”
In a club that has a cultural leaning tradition, it will always stand strong and there could be no better foundation for the future of a club.
Noosa surf teams
For the surf teams from Noosa Heads Surf Club, last weekend competing in the branch championships at Mooloolaba, was indeed one of great results. What makes this so outstanding was the fact that they were the nipper branch titles. Thus, these results speak volumes for the future of the club in surf competition
Also, it speaks highly for the coaching standard that is now available for Noosa’s young athletes and this is critical as the youth are the future of any club.
On the weekend however, one of Noosa’s open divisions, was also, again setting Australian beach events on its ear. His name is Kai Thompson and his event is beach flags.
It was while the Noosa nippers were making waves at the branch titles at Mooloolaba, this young Thompson was again showing his class on both Manly Beach on the Friday, and again on the Saturday, at Freshwater NSW. Winning the gold medal in this event, on two successive days , against some of the best in country, is to say the least, outstanding.
This is not the first visitation on to the winner’s podium for this young man. He has won both Australian and state titles on previous occasions. Indeed, a record of success in which all involved can take pride. Owing to a dangerous situation at both beaches in Sydney, all water events were cancelled. Beach events only were held.
The most pleasing factor at the branch titles, was the number of teams from the u11 to u15 groups that have qualified for the state championships in early February. The u15 male competitors, affectionally known as the Brat Pack, produced some dominating performances. In the board race they finished first, second and third and then backed up to win the board relay. They then added to this by winning places in both the iron man events, and surf races. Their performances in the surf races saw them also finish in the top three for the team event.
These results tell us that Noosa has a coaching panel that is indeed achieving great results right across the board and congratulations are in ordered. The panel under the leadership of Darren Mercer and Woogie Marsh and totally supported by Kai Thompson, Jordan Mercer and Rupert Anisimoff, have done us proud. Well done to all involved.
