PORT Macquarie paddlers have capped a record-breaking season with their best-ever return from the national outrigger titles.
The Maroro Club finished second in the 12km open mixed short course event and claimed a bronze medal in a field of 45 crews in 16km mixed long course last weekend.
Port Macquarie’s men put the icing on the cake with an exceptional fourth placing in the 20km open men’s long course – their best result in the blue ribbon event.
Their female counterparts contributed a seventh placing in the women’s long course to round out a superb weekend for Port paddlers on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Coach Wes Byrnes said he was enormously proud of the club’s achievements.
“This is a special group of paddlers. They’ve worked so hard over the past couple of months and they deserve every bit of success that has come their way this weekend,” he said.
“The most pleasing part has been the camaraderie and enjoyment of being part of such a tight knit group that has put in so much effort not just for themselves but for each other.
“I can’t thank them enough for making this weekend such a memorable one.”
Open mixed paddlers Lyn Lovering and Kev Owens each enjoyed successful comebacks, together with first-time paddler Louise Finnegan, to help the open mixed short course crew to a silver medal.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of Maroro Outriggers this season,” Finnegan said.
“The club has been very encouraging and it has been a supportive environment for a newcomer to the sport.”
While most paddlers will wind up their season at the club’s presentation night this Saturday, Fiona Baker, Wes Byrnes and Dave Bouldin will continue on to regattas at Hamilton Island in June, and Hawaii in August and October.
Bouldin is making his first trip to the legendary Molokai Hoe in Hawaii.
“We’ve taken some big steps forward as a club this year and Molokai will be another great challenge,” Bouldin said.
