Gold Coast — It was firstly paddleboards. Then stand up paddleboards (SUP). Now outrigger canoes have been added to the line-up for the annual Honolua Ocean Paddle Race.
A talented crew of outrigger canoe paddlers will put their ocean skills to the test for the first time alongside an anticipated 100-plus field of the state’s top board paddlers in the eight kilometre race, which starts at Snapper Rocks on Saturday and follows the coastline north before finishing at Currumbin Creek.
Outrigger Australia President John Stewart says it’s great that 1-person outrigger canoes (OC1) have been integrated into the prestigious open ocean race. “The outrigger community is really excited to be part of this growing event,†he said. “Our way of thinking is that OC1, paddleboard and stand up paddlers all share the love of the ocean, with most outrigger paddlers being competent in other surfing disciplines.â€Â  … Details