Outrigger canoe paddling originated in the Pacific Islands where canoes were first used for migration thousands of years ago.

Today outrigger canoe racing has become a competitive sport not only throughout the Pacific Islands but also around the world. In Australia, it is a relatively young sport which began with the first club starting on the Gold Coast in 1978. AOCRA was formed 10 years later in 1988, and since then the sport has expanded into nearly every state, although primarily clubs are positioned along the east coast.

Zones have been established to oversee the development of the sport within regional areas. Given the physical distances travelled from North to South Queensland, there are two separate zones set up to cater for paddlers in Queensland, while other states comprise a single zone.

The South Queensland Zone comprises clubs from as far north as Bundaberg and as far south as Coffs Coast and sanctions races held between these clubs. Racing takes on two forms, marathons and sprints and various craft - six person canoes (OC6); single canoes (OC1) and double canoes (OC2). Sprint races are held over 500 - 1500 metres, while marathon races vary in distance from 8 - 20 kilometres. Race distances in excess of 30 kms allow crews to increase the number of paddlers and to incorporate changeovers.

If you would like to find out more about Outrigger Canoe Paddling - contact a club near you.