By Ron Lane
On Saturday 12 September 2020, 21 Outrigger Clubs from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast will gather for the Reset Regatta 2. They will meet, in the words of President Peter Hoff, ‘’In a beautiful place where the sun always shines and the Noosa River waits patiently for you.” This beautiful place is situated at Chaplin Park Mill St Noosaville: and to cap it off it is advertised as a Covid Safe Event.
The necessary governing bodies ( health departments) and the local council have been informed and all is well: and river events will be run strictly according to Maritime Regulations. During the races the outriggers will be led by a duty boat situated some 100 mts in advance: also, there will be a duty boat on each side of the contestants. Also, refreshments and drinks will be available: these again will be supplied and served according to strict government regulations. Information available tells us that every step to provide a safe regatta has been addressed.
“This is the second event since March and we have left no stone unturned to ensure a successful outing for all involved,” said a club spokesman.
The day will start with a 7am all OC6 Long Course Race Briefing (Men and Women) and the starter will commence his duties at 7.30am.Total competitors allowed for the regatta is 500 and there is a total of 700 race entries. This has occurred as many rowers will no doubt be doubling up for those extra races, as competition during the season has been to say the least very scarce. It is not because the approved number has been violated.
Competition will provide competitors for juniors U/12and U/14/16 /19: all events being for both boys and girls. Also, Novice Events will be provided for those who have been rowing for under 12 months. Events will be held over the Short Course 5km, and the Long Course 8.5km.The course will be from the Chaplin Park to Monna Point and back with crews of 6 rowers, doubles and singles. Also, regulations will insist that all craft must be sprayed and cleaned after every event.
A fine day of sunshine and racing will round off a good couple of months for the Noosa Outriggers. First was a meet greet and look, craft display at the Farmers Market then a Come and Try at the Park. Public response was good and indications are that interest in the sport is starting to spread. And it doesn’t end there. On the weekend of December 5th and 6th.all being well and restrictions allowing the Noosa club will host a two- day water event for the South Queensland Zone. Day one will be contested at Nooses second beach and day two on the Noosa River. Not only will it do great things for the competitor, but it will also do wonders to promote the sport: and once again, sport will promote the community of Noosa as the place to visit.
Their Saturday club training sessions are a good thing. This consists of a row which goes from Chaplin Park to the shark nets at Sunshine Beach and back, a distance of some 23kl and a time of 2.5 hrs for experienced members: week-days it’s a 6k, 1 hr plus course.
Good to see, that despite the bitter disappointment of tournament cancelations things are still going strong for the Sunshine Coast Martial Arts Club situated on Gibson Road Noosa. This club which has affiliation with Japan, is still running training sessions which at all times are run according to our strict health regulations. As a result, the atmosphere is still very positive. Just recently, Sensei Dukas 6th Dan, his staff and members were in a situation where they were required to move their dojo to a large room next door. Happy to relate all is once again going strong.
Training sessions are going well and despite the absence of families and supporters as onlookers, the dojo no doubt will still have its trademark positive attitude. The recent cancellation of the Australian championships to a possible late date in 2021, was regrettable. However, I feel that when the time comes to travel to Perth for next year’s titles, ( their 48th.) all will go well for the club. Good to see that the club instructors have all done their Covid Safe Certificates: for a club that takes pride in its youth, the certificates will definately be very gratifying for the parents.
Amongst the disappointing cancelations, was Sensei Hitoshi Kasuya 9th Dan. Sensei Hitoshi , hails from Japan, and is the Chief Instructor of World Shotokan Karate -Do Federation: a federation in which our local club is now proudly affiliated. This organisation has now, over 100 countries affiliated throughout the world.
Sensei Hitoshi was to visit and conduct seminars: hopefully he can be reorganised for the end of 2021.Another was Mike Dukas 8th Dan from South Africa. He was due in late November, also for the purpose of seminars: now as things stand, a possible date of July 20/21 is being looked at. For Sensei Dukas, this was a double disappointment as the gentleman is not only a world renown instructor, but also his much loved and respected father. We wish them both good- luck.
There is also the possibility of the club hosting black belt exams in December,( again depending on regulations regarding interstate travel), with candidates and instructors coming from Perth.
Good to see Sensei Dukas is yet another (sports coach) that has been contributing his knowledge and skills into our schools, by working with our youth. Schools, such as the Good Shepherd Lutheran College, where he teaches self-defence and awareness of danger on the streets, to the girls of grade7and 8. Also, Noosaville State School, where he again stresses street safety, as well as good manners and discipline. Very necessary lessons in today’s world.
