Geographe head to national titles

Geographe Outriggers Canoe Racing Club is headed to the 2019 National Outrigger Sprint Titles on the Sunshine Coast, from February 1 to 3.

The Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association’s annual event is the pinnacle event of the Australian outrigging calendar, with international competitors from island nations.

Head junior coach Laurie Haynes said all competitors had been training four times a week, paying special attention to turning manoeuvres.

“All the young guys are really looking forward to experiencing the event,” he said.

“We selected a group three months ago and we’ve been preparing for it.

“It’s given the kids a good outlet to achieve something over the summer holidays.”

Outrigging is a Polynesian sport of paddling a canoe through the ocean, around several turns.

Sprint events the club will be competing in include 250m, 500m and 1km.

“The difference between paddling and rowing is we face forward and we have the outrigger to balance the canoe in rougher conditions,” Mr Haynes said.

The club formed in 1996 and has been racing against the eight other WA Outriggers clubs with a chance of bragging rights on the Sunshine Coast.

Major sponsor Busselton Vet will be holding a barbecue today at 4pm to raise funds for the event.