By Ron Lane
It was 9am on Saturday and some 60 members of the Noosa Outriggers Club gathered at Chaplin Park, Mill Street, Noosaville for a very special occasion.
The purpose for the gathering was to take part in a traditional ceremony, one that has been handed down for centuries, by those masters of the outrigger – the Polynesians. And the very special occasion, was the Blessing the Canoe and Paddles Ceremony, a tradition that is not only known to the Noosa club, but also respected and upheld
Two new canoes had been recently purchased, and in keeping with the age-old traditions, the blessing was a ceremony not to be missed. Club president Peter Williams welcomed members and visitors and took the time to explain the ceremony they were about to witness. For the club, it is going very strong: a membership of 220 up from last year’s 140. It now has some 19 craft available to the members, extending from OC1, (Outrigger Canoe 1 person) to OC4 then some OC6. With the age of members stretching from 10- 89 and craft now available Monday to Sunday (with coaches), the club has a lot to offer.
The canoes, known as the Malolo OC6 Unlimited, were purchased at a cost of $29,000 each and the design is such that it is able to be used in rough seas as well as the flat: it has a crew of six and is 13.4 mts in length and weighs 65.7kg. Each craft had a name – one being called the Wantima and the other Kaile’a. The first name is an Aboriginal word taken from the Gubbi Gubbi people, and the second from the Polynesian dialect.
When we consider that a canoe such as the outrigger is centuries old and a major part of the history of the island people, it is only natural that many traditions have developed and now play a major role in the life of the craft. The club president explained some of these proud traditions: when on land should always be left facing the water, never sit on them or step over them, never drag them across ground and above all never stand up when on water. That is considered as a sign of disrespect to fellow crewmen.
What follows is the text of the morning’s blessing.
With a spirit of heart and commitment, we, the gathered members of the Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club, name and bless this canoe, Kaile’a, and this canoe Wantima and everybody who shall paddle in them. Through the spirits and souls of the people who participate and paddle in them, these canoes will become entities. We ask that these canoes unite our individual strengths.
We ask that they keep us in rhythm with each other and with the ocean. We ask that they lead us to our own personal victories and that they bring us safely ashore with their amas down. May the spirit of life watch over all who paddle in Kaile’a and Wantima.
Paddle strongly and paddle safely, strive to reach your goals, and above all, enjoy the Aloha of our sport.
In today’s society, the importance of pride and tradition in some modern day clubs, sadly tends to be overlooked or completely forgotten. Therefore, with this so-called modern era being what it is, it is indeed very pleasing to meet a sporting club that has respect, not only for its customs but, above all, its age old traditions. To hear the club president, explain the necessity of their place in club life was indeed like a breath of fresh air.
To the Noosa Outrigger Club, we say well done and all the best for the future.
From our local Ray White Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club, comes good news. They have earned the right to host the major semi-final at Dolphins Oval this coming weekend, 4 August. Club president Donald Mckill confirmed the club has a team from every age group from u/12 right through to A grade competing in this weekend’s semi-finals.
“This is indeed a huge achievement for our club to reach this milestone. This is a result of hard work, week in week out, from players, coaches, managers and committees: both junior and senior. We will have a busy week in the lead up to the Friday night fixtures for juniors, and the Super Saturday senior games. I would like to encourage our local community to get down to Dolphin Oval Sunshine Beach, this weekend and get behind our juniors, colts, women’s and men’s teams.’’
The gates will open 10am Saturday, with games due to kick off from 10.30am with Noosa Colts vs Caloundra. This will be followed by Noosa women’s vs Nambour, Noosas Reggie’s vs University and the A’s vs University. A big weekend for our local rugby.
