So, you may have some questions about our sport and club.  If there is anything we can't answer on this page, or through our website links, please use the Contact Page to send us a message!!!  Getting on the water has never been easier!!  

I've always wanted to give Outrigging a go.  What do I need to do?  

Outrigging is a super fun sport to be involved in!!  It's easy to get started.  Register for a 'Come and Try' session or series via our Website 'Events' page.  Once you've registered, you are good to go!!!  Sign an insurance form on Day 1 and with some expert instruction from our coaches, you will be on your way!!  Wear comfy clothes that can get wet, wear a hat, stinger-safe clothing between September and May, and some sunscreen.  Don't forget a water bottle!!!  Here is a link to our Events page!

Is the sport really competitive?  

If you have a bit of a competitive streak, the sport definitely caters for you!!!  Coral Sea are proud to have a few Champion paddlers in the team and are very focussed on competitive racing.  There are many opportunities to compete locally, throughout North and Far North and other parts of Queensland, Nationally and Overseas!!  You may get so addicted, that your future holidays will be centred around where you are competing for Outrigging hahah!!

I'd like to meet new friends and paddle socially.  Can I do that?  

Absolutely, 100%.  If you want to make friends, look at the sealife and beauty of our coastline and enjoy a leisurely paddle, Sunday's are the FUN-days!!!!  Bring yourself, your friends, family and have a splash.  Membership fees apply after the 'Come and Try' trial has been completed.

Do I need to wear a PFD?  

If you feel safer on the water by wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), by all means, wear one.  The club do have PFD's but please feel free to BYO :)   Our Steerers are very capable and very experienced.  Their main goal is to keep us all upright and moving in a forward direction!!!

Can my children come along with me?  

We love seeing the kids out on the water having fun!!  We have a Junior Squad in Coral Sea OCC and are always keen to gain new Junior members!!

Do I need to be fit?  

By starting off slow in our Sunday Social days, you'll start to see a difference in your 'paddle fitness' after a fairly short period of time.  If you decide to come along to our more serious club training days, you'll up the pace, paddle for longer periods of time, longer distances and before long, you'll feel as though you've paddled forever!!

I have never paddled before.  Is that OK?  

None of us were born with a paddle in our hand, although some will tell you different hahaha.  We all started somewhere and that's right where you are now!!!!  The only regret you'll have is that you didn't start sooner!!

How much are the fees to join?  

All you need to know, can be found here Join Now - Coral Sea Outrigger Canoe Club If you decide to join our club, you must register with the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association, our National Body, first.  Once that registration is completed, send through your registration application to Coral Sea OCC.

What days do you train?  

Club Training Days (Competetive Training) are Tuesday from 4.45am, Thursday from 4.45am and Saturday from 5.45am (always subject to change according to the weather, the season, the availability of coaches and steerers) .  Many of our members have private craft and can often be seen training on any day.  The men sometimes go out on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for separate training.  Sundays of course, are FUN-days!!  

I have friends and family who would like to be involved with the club.  Do you support volunteers?

Absolutely, 100%!!!  Volunteers make the world go 'round!!!  We host a Club regatta in the middle of the year and invite anyone interested in volunteering to let us know!!!  Many of our members are unable to race because of 'regatta duties' on the day.  It would be amazing to have volunteer support!!

Do I need to buy my own uniforms and gear?

We keep stock on hand of our racing uniforms.  Before you compete at your very first regatta, it is expected that you purchase a racing uniform.  This is a requirement of the 'Rules of Racing' and in fact, a crew can be disqualified for not wearing the registered Club Uniform!!!  In terms of a paddle, there are many different types of paddles that you can buy.  Ask people at training if you can trial their paddle during training so that you can get a 'feel' for the paddle.  Someone will also help you with measuring the length most suitable for you (Coaches are the best at this!).   Then there's other things like seat pads, hydration packs, hats, dacks and everything in between that you can add to the paddling arsenal hahaha.  Uniform and paddle are the most important to start off with :)

Do I need to be involved with fundraising?

Yes please.  Fundraising is a really important part of being a member.  We are able to keep membership fees down and work at fundraising to cover club operations, raising money for equipment and so on.

What are some of the Hawaiian words I may hear along the way?  Thank you to Kai Ikaika Paddling Club for this list :)

AMA (ah-mah): The outrigger float

‘IAKO (ee-ya-ko): Bars that hold the ama to the va’a

VA’A (vah-ah): The canoe

UNE (oo-nay): To lever. The action a paddler takes to help turn the bow of the canoe.

KAHI (kah-hee): To cut. Using the blade of the paddle cut in the same line as the canoe.

HO‘OMAKAUKAU! (Hoh oh MAH cow cow): Get ready or get set!

KAU! (Kah Oo: )Place (or plant) the blade.

HOE (ho aee): Paddle! And off you go.

HUKI!!! (hoo key): Pull, GET INTO IT!