Outriggers race in gusty Trade Winds

by Ian Grant on 31 May 2007 Super fit Outrigger canoe paddlers will have their endurance tested in gusty 12-20 knot South East trade winds when they contest the opening races of the 2007 Powerade Hamilton Island Cup in a warm Whitsunday Island climate today.

Athletes representing 14 Nations and 54 clubs including major marathon race winners from Hawaii and Tahiti will flex their upper body strength when they compete for the prestigious Powerade medals in the physically demanding eight and 16 km OCI (single-crew) marathons over rough water courses.

Both marathons will be contested on waters exposed to wind and current forcing the aquatic athletes to dig deep with their personal technique and stamina.

As expected there is an impressive list of nominations including Australia’s ‘super mum’ Lisa Curry-Kenny who will put her proven personal endurance to the test during both races.

Paddling at a high rate for 24 km will not present a problem for Lisa Curry-Kenny as she has trained extensively in similar rough water conditions off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and is expected to feature in the major medals.

However the grueling 16km marathon promises to sort the best from the rest before and after they round the half way point of Surprise Rock off Pentecost Island.

This prominent and well known rock named by Captain James Cook will be fixed in the mind set of the athletes as they struggle against elements for the marathon medals.

Meanwhile Hamilton Island’s picturesque Catseye Bay will become a scene of spectacular paddling fury when 46 heats and finals are contested to decide the OC1 and OC2 Powerade Hamilton Island Cup 250m sprint champions for 2007.