By JO SEARLE
THE Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club recently contested the final South Queensland Zone OC6 regatta for the 2014/15 racing season at Bell’s Beach, Clontarf.
The crews relished the relatively kind conditions on Moreton Bay, and the results showed that a season of training and competition had paid off.
The day’s events started early in glassy conditions with the women’s 22km long course. Both Noosa crews clinched silver in their categories – the Master Women in a time of 2.17.49 which was less than two minutes behind the winning team, and the Senior Master Women finishing in 2.31.43.
In the men’s 13km short course, the Senior Master Men’s team enjoyed close competition but ultimately won gold in a time of 1.17.05, more than nine minutes ahead of the second placed crew in their category.
Another Master Women’s team contested the women’s short course, and put in a stellar performance to be the first crew to finish the race ahead of all age categories and take gold in their category in a time of 1.21.34.
In the afternoon, the men’s long course saw four Noosa crews compete. The Master Men won gold in a time of 1.58.58, two minutes ahead of the next crew in their category.
Two Senior Master Men’s crews competed, finishing less than a minute apart in times of 2.02.13 and 2.03.01, to take out third and fourth in their category.
The Golden Master Men won gold in a time of 2.16.29, almost four minutes ahead of the second placed team in their category.
Overall a great day, which also saw final series points awarded, with three Noosa crews finishing in the lead in the long course season competition – the Golden Master Women and the Golden Master Men, and the Master Men in equal first with Mooloolaba. Other long course team results included the Master Women second. Senior Master Women third, and the two Senior Master Men’s teams in third and fourth with just one point between them, and only six points separating first and fourth.
For the short course series points, results for Noosa crews included the Novice Women in equal first with Mooloolaba, the Master Women equal third with Tweed Coast, the Senior Master Women in equal first with Bundaberg, and the Golden Master Women second. In addition short course team results included both the Senior Master Men and Golden Master Mixed placing second.
Noosa crews are now in training for the Gold Coast Cup on 2-3 May, which will see crews contest a 42km changeover race (to relieve crew members, they dive in and out of the canoe as the race continues) and a 38km iron ocean race. Crews are also training for the National Titles being held 16-17 May at Mooloolaba where the men will contest a 22km course, women a 18km course and mixed crews a 16km course, plus a 10km short course for all categories.
NOCC always welcomes new members, both recreational and competitive, and information on training times and Come and Try is available at noosaoutriggers.com.au
