Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club win plenty of gold at Australian Outriggers’ National Marathon Championships
Mooloolaba outriggers have dominated the country’s best to earn a golden medal haul
Sunshine Coast
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Mooloolaba outriggers have added yet another chapter to their outstanding achievements after conquering the country’s best paddlers on the national stage.
The Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club was named overall club champions at the Australian Outriggers’ National Marathon Championships at Emu Park, in Queensland, last week.
Traditionally one of Australia’s strongest outrigger clubs, Mooloolaba’s women’s and men’s crews scored 11 medals in the prestigious OC6 short and long course events – 11 km and 18 km respectively – conducted in the open ocean.
More than 600 registered paddlers competed at the nationals.
“A number of factors – pride, passion, dedication and teamwork – are the hallmark of our club and they shone through at the national titles,” Mooloolaba president Al Rasmussen said.
“In the months leading up to the nationals our crews underwent intense ocean training of up to 100km a week.
“We have four outstanding coaches in Peter Dorries, Darren Smith, Jenny Rasmussen and Michelle Small who are undoubtedly one of the keys to the club’s success with their structured approach.”
Mooloolaba dominated the 18km long course races in the premier open division, with its women’s, men’s and mixed crews claiming gold medals in convincing fashion.
The women’s open crew had an incredible winning margin of more than 10 minutes.
The club also won gold in the women’s masters short course event and the women’s golden masters long course event.
Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club was formed in 1990 with around 20 members and one borrowed canoe.
Today the club has more than 160 active members and is represented in paddling events across the globe.
The club has a successful novice program to attract new paddlers and also recognises the importance of strong junior development.
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