PORT Macquarie’s outrigger paddlers are kicking off an historic 10th season with an invitation for new paddlers to join their ranks.
The Maroro Outrigger Canoe Club is staging a series of free come-and-try sessions for anyone interested in having a go at paddling. The series kicked off last weekend and will continue for the next two Saturdays.
The club has made a flying start to the season, with head coach Wes Byrnes returning from Hawaii today after becoming Port Macquarie’s first medal winner at the world’s biggest outrigger event, the Molokai Hoe.
President Kim Roberts said the club was keen to build on its success by attracting new paddlers to the sport through a series of beginners’ sessions.
“We will be running free sessions from the Westport boat ramp at 8.30am on the next two Saturdays for anyone interested in finding out more about outrigger paddling and our club,” Roberts said.
“We will provide some basic tuition and an opportunity to paddle with some of our more experienced members in one of our OC6 canoes.
“There is no need to bring anything other than comfortable clothes and a towel. Just turn up at the boat ramp and we’ll be ready to go.
“We will also be running our annual corporate day event on 24 November, so these sessions provide a perfect opportunity for anyone thinking of putting a team in to get a jump on their rivals.”
Roberts said the club was looking for both male and female paddlers.
“It’s the perfect sport for anyone looking for a great way to keep fit, form new friendships and enjoy a unique experience of our beautiful coastline,” she said.
“We have only recently begun training for the 2013/14 season and our paddlers have already had three encounters with whales while training just off the coast.”
More information about the club and its activities, including the upcoming corporate day, is available by phoning Kim Roberts on 0424 802 436 or visiting www.marorokanu.websyte.com.au.
