Five outrigger canoe crews win medals at State titles
Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club ended a successful racing season with six crews competing at the NSW State Titles in Port Stephens on Saturday, May 3.
Five of the Central Coast crews won medals in their categories, including the mixed crew (silver) in the novice race; the platinum (gold), master women (silver) and golden master mixed (bronze) crews in the short course, and the master men (bronze) in the long course.
The master women's long course crew narrowly missed out on a medal after race organisers changed the course due to the rough conditions.
"The 2.5 metre swell and wind chop turned the race into a wrestle for the steerers" said platinum crew steerer John Iliffe.
A few canoes from other clubs capsized, but managed to reboard safely.
Women's long course paddler Cath Cameron said: "We felt like we had been on the spin cycle of the washing machine for 90 minutes, but as we came through the heads, a pod of dolphins was surfing in front of us and we lifted again."
The club will continue training regularly throughout the year from Woy Woy and Patonga in preparation for the next season.
SOURCE:
Media release, 16 May 2025
Linda Donnini, CCOCC