World's Fastest Paddlers line up for the first time

by Hamilton Island Public Relations on 19 May 2003 For the first time in the history of outrigger canoe paddling, the fastest teams in the world will go head-to-head in a series of sprint and marathon races at the Coca-Cola Outrigger Cup at Hamilton Island from June 13 to 16.

The teams, which include two crews from Tahiti, two crews from Australia and a combined New Zealand/Hawaii crew, have never raced each other before – despite them all, at some time or another, claiming to be the fastest crew in the world.

Coca-Cola Outrigger Cup Administrator Colin Bartley said the team who wins at Hamilton Island in June would rightly be able to claim the title as the world’s fastest outrigger team.

'We will witness the fastest and most competitive paddling we have ever seen in the 20 year history of the Coca-Cola Hamilton Island Cup,' said Colin.

'All of these guys are unbelievably competitive and they are all out to win – not only for their share of the prize money, but mainly for the honour of really being the fastest team in the world in this traditional sport.'

'There is particular rivalry between the Tahitians, the Hawaiians and Kiwis as each of these countries have traditional ties to the sport. As for the Australians – they are just out to win.'

The top 5:

Rai Tahiti – Winners of the 2002 Molokai Race (a marathon event viewed as the most challenging in the world).

Team NZ/Hawaii – Current Coca Cola Cup Champions. Runners up in the 2002 Molokai Race (by one canoe length).

Ikiaka Australia (Sydney) – Winners of the 2003 Australian National Titles and third placegetters in the 2002 Molokai Race

Outrigger Australia (Gold Coast) – 10-time winners of the Coca Cola Cup at Hamilton Island. Runners up at the 2003 Australian National Titles.

Shell Va’a Tahiti – Winner of the Hawaiki Nui 2002 and current Tahitian champions.

The 20th anniversary of the Coca-Cola Hamilton Island Cup has attracted a record number of entries of around 2000 paddlers from all over the world.

The four-day event consists of OC1 (one person races) on Friday 13 June. The weekend of 14 and 15 June includes 500m sprints, a 4km ‘Bolt across the Bay’ and 16km marathons with the major event –the 42km marathon being held on Monday 16 June.

While the event provides some of the most competitive canoe racing in the world, it is also famous for its party atmosphere. This year the theme of the event is ‘Outpaddle, Outparty, Outrigger’ with the highlight being a massive street party and open-air Jimmy Barnes concert on Monday night.

Further information:

Susan Boyd, Public Relations for Hamilton Island –Ph: 07 5504 6007 or 0412 365 122.

Email: sboyd@infrontcommunications.com.au

Colin Bartley, Race Director, Coca-Cola Hamilton Island Cup – Ph: 07 4946 8436.

Email: hamcup@whitsunday.net.au