Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club has returned from a strong showing at the Australian National Long Distance Titles, held in Mooloolaba from May 23–25, 2025. With just nine senior paddlers attending, the team still managed to bring home a haul of medals and proud performances.
Friday brought cool conditions, but it didn’t take long for Bryan Wilkinson and Steph Lomas to find their rhythm, earning a silver medal in the 16km Senior Master OC2. New club member Peter Drew made a bold debut in a field of 102 competitors, paddling in the 10km Novice OC1 and securing a bronze medal for his efforts.
Bryan also backed up his OC2 result with a solo 10km effort in the Senior Master Men OC1, finishing 4th out of 10 contenders. Meanwhile, Oscar Grey took on the 16km V1 challenge and proudly brought home a bronze medal.
Saturday's focus shifted to the club’s OC6 crews, with excitement building as the team rigged the canoe for both the 18km long and 10km short course events.
First on the water were the Senior Master Women, who competed in the 18km race. While they didn’t medal, they delivered a spirited performance, catching bumps and overtaking canoes throughout the course. “We had a lot of fun, tried hard, and will improve for the next regatta,” said club steerer Renee Martin.
Later that day, the Master Mixed crew took on the 10km short course and earned a silver medal, finishing in just under 51 minutes and placing 11th out of a competitive field of 51 canoes.
Keeping the momentum into Sunday, Sunset Bay's Master Mixed crew added another bronze medal in the 18km long course, capping off a successful weekend.
Next up, Sunset Bay Outriggers will travel to Townsville in June for sprint and 37km regattas across two action-packed days.
Anyone interested in trying outrigger canoeing is welcome to connect with the club via the Sunset Bay Outriggers Facebook page.
Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club delivered a strong performance at the Australian National Long Distance Titles in Mooloolaba, during May 23–25, securing multiple medals across solo and team events despite a small nine-paddler squad. Photos supplied
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