Last weekend in Noosa, Laguna Bay was all about paddling. On Saturday the Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club hosted the Laguna Bay Challenge, with 18 clubs participating from the South Queensland Zone.
The first event of the day, in warm, mild conditions, was the men’s 10km long course.
Noosa’s Master Men’s Team Rocco placed third in the division in 54 minutes 27 seconds . In the Senior Master division Team Bodo also placed third in a strong field of fourteen crews in a time of 55:47.
In the Golden Master division Noosa had three teams racing, Team Benstead, Team Chaffey and Team Dinsey. They finished first, second and fourth in the respective times of 58:25, 1hour 26seconds and 1:04:37. Our Platinum Men, the only over 70 years crew racing, finished in a reputable 1:08:52.
Next was the women’s 6km short course with 5 Noosa crews racing. For this event, coaches devised a mix up between experienced and novice to give everyone a chance to race and learn from others. The Novice Women’s team steered by Susie Blumentals taking line honours and first in their division in a time of 36:05.
Due to the mix up teams, the four remaining teams were all in the Master Women’s division; the division based on the youngest person in the crew. Team Hegarty placed second in 37:37 and Team Phillis third in 38.13. Then Team Irving fourth in 38.40 and Team Brown fifth in 39.03.
The Mens 6km short course was next. Team Rocco in the Master Men division were third over the line overall and second in their division in 33:58. In the Golden Master division, Team Benstead was fifth iver the line and won the division in 34.40 and Team Dinsey placed second in 36:28.
Then it was time for the Mixed 10km long course, teams having a minimum of three women. In a field of 12, Noosa entered two teams. Team Kenny was third over the line and first in the Senior Master division in a time of 1:01:12. In the Golden Master division, Team Benstead was fourth over the line in 1:03:47.
Following was the 6km short course, in chopper conditions which provided some good runs. Noosa’s Team Henry placed third in the Senior Master division in a time of 44:05 and Team Lawrence placed first in the Novice division in 47:44.
As the wind and waves whipped up the women’s 10km long course was altered, and teams set off for the adventure… which turned out to be one that no one will forget! Several hulis (capsizes), including two Noosa crews, some injuries, a couple of jellyfish stings and a broken Caloundra canoe towed to shore. As conditions worsened the Coast Guard called the race off about half way through, and those waiting on shore were happy to see everyone return safely. Despite the conditions everyone had fun!
The Juniors events ran throughout the day and “All of our Noosa Junors were amazing!, said Juniors Coach, Flea White
“We had our first team of U16’s in the 6km short course with help from Sophie and Jess from Mooloolaba. Scotty did his biggest race ever and on the ocean stepping up an age category; fantastic work Scotty. Also Sam who’s 14 then had to dash to his Basketball final. And great work by our big guys Jasper and Jett!“ said Flea.
“It was so awesome that they all came together – and won their age division as the only U16 boys out there, with the Bayside mixed crew only 4 minutes ahead.“
For the U12’s 2km race there was a full Noosa crew with Ava, Adler, Ry, Oliver, Lachie and Liv steering.
Coach Flea said, “This was Lachie and Oliver’s first race ever and Liv’s first steering! What an amazing job against some much bigger, older kids. They were 3rd over the line but won’t their division“.
“Then in the OC2 2km race, Noosa duo Ava and Liv worked hard in the heat of the day to win their division. Well done girls!“
“Next were our Mighty Minnows in two 1km races up against some tough competition. Noosa had two Mighty Minnows teams (a mix of minnows and U12’s) and one all boys minnow team . Our paddlers included Erin, Oscar, Zach T, Arrabella and Zack I. It was Arrabella’s and Zack I’s first race ever! They did well coming in 4th over the line and won their division as the only true mixed Minnows division“, said Flea.
Flea’s last comment, “And a huge thanks to our Noosa Juniors’ Mums and Dads. All this would not be possible without. You guys are brilliant – and also win your division!“
Day two of the paddling events, the Noosa Paddle Sports Ocean Classic, dawned fine and windy. Several Noosa Outrigger paddlers, and some from.other visible outrigger clubs, backed up after OC6 racing on Saturday for OC1 and OC2 racing on Sunday.
There were two 8km short course and 16km long course races, with stratum waves for varied craft, including surf skis, SUPs and outriggers to name just a few.
In the 8km race, Noosa’s Nicola Cameron and Sue Alvsaker contested the OC2 50+ Women division finishing in 50.38.
In the 16km race, Noosa had four competitors in OC1 divisions. Flea White in the 40+ Women division finished in 1:35:04. In the 50+ Men’s division, John Goller finished in 1:24:21 and Bodo Lenitschek in 1:31:41. Des Mabbott in the 60+ Men division finished in 1:34:07.9.
A great weekend of paddling sports in Noosa and everyone looks forward to the double header event again in 2021.
For more information or to ’Come & Try’ head to the NOCC website at www.noosaoutriggers.com.au
