Coconuts Outriggers’ ocean race medal haul

PADDLERS from the Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club enjoyed a successful day of racing recently at the Marlin Coast Challenge 42km ocean race.

The race is staged along the stunning coastline from Yorkey’s Knob to Port Douglas and paddlers can compete in a relay or iron format.

Over 70 craft, including OC1, OC2, OC6 (one, two and six person) outrigger canoes and surf skis took to the water with paddlers from throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea among the line-up.

Hot conditions and light north-easterly winds made for tough paddling, and avoiding rudder tangles on the abundant seaweed added an extra challenge. The club stood up to the challenges bringing home an impressive medal haul.

Club coach Matt Abbott raced in the most demanding divisions, taking gold in the

Iron 42km Open Male OC1 division in 4.05hrs.

Angelo De Maria also took on paddling 42km solo for the first time and gained bronze in the Master Men OC1 Iron division in 4.55hrs.

Ski relay team Josh Rolfe and Marc Darveniza took gold in 4.10hrs. Husband and wife team, Adrian and Tracy Darveniza took gold in the OC1 Master Mixed Relay in 4.46hrs.

Coconuts paddler Nicola

Hoey teamed up with Paso Skelton from Townsville to bring home silver in the same division in 4.56hrs, while another Coconuts husband and wife team David and Kate Rolfe brought home bronze in a time of 5.01hrs.

Naomi Abbott and Miles Darveniza teamed up with Andrew Portelli and Teena De Maria in the OC2 Open Mixed division to claim gold in 4.51hrs.

Junior Paddler Luke Portelli

teamed up with paddlers from other local clubs in the OC6 relay, winning the Open Mixed division in a time of 4.16hrs, an astounding effort given that much of the crew consisted of junior paddlers.

Club president Adrian Darveniza said the event provided a great opportunity for the junior paddlers to test their stamina while also developing friendships with competitors from other clubs.

“The race is a must-do on the outrigger calendar and while it is very demanding, the sense of achievement at the end makes it worthwhile,” he said.

“The event provides a great opportunity for our club to race against interstate and international competitors right on our doorstep.”

The club always welcomes new faces. To give paddling a try, visit the club’s Facebook page for more details.