AUSTRALIA’s best outrigger crews are ready to race for national titles on the Coffs Coast.
Coffs Harbour is set to host the 2026 Australian Outriggers National Marathon Championship this weekend.
It will be contested over three fierce days of racing from Friday, 15 May, to Sunday, 17 May at Jetty Beach.
The event draws hundreds of competitors from outrigger clubs across Australia.
The National Championship itinerary will include three days of racing, featuring small craft OC1 and OC2, Va’a short and long course racing, and OC6 short and long course events.
Men’s, women’s, and mixed teams will compete across all age divisions.
The races range from four to 18 kilometres with competitors aged between eight to 80.
They will feature canoes containing one, two, three, or six paddlers.
Coffs Harbour is rated as one of the best locations for a National Championship event due to the protected harbour and easy access to the open ocean.
The Coffs Coast Outrigger Canoe Club is co-hosting the event with the national sporting body the Australian Outriggers Canoe Racing Association.
To give the sport a try, contact the Coffs Coast Outrigger Canoe Club via their Facebook page.
By Aiden BURGESS
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