Help our paddlers represent Australia overseas!

Aloha! Coffs Coast Outrigger Canoe Club is raising funds to support two of our rising stars who have been selected to paddle for Australia at the International World Sprints at Hawaii this August.

This biennial international outrigger canoe event attracts paddlers from Brazil, Aotearoa, Australia, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Canada, Samoa, Fiji, Rapanui and many more. Funds received will be used on travel, accommodation and food - which is going to add up!

Our first rising star is John Vincent (JV), at 76 years of age. JV has qualified for three international events: competed at one in QLD and was denied a medal at the 2022 event due to Covid cancellation. At Hawaii JV has been chosen to compete in the 6-man 75+ event with teammates from QLD.

Our second rising star is Magic Merlin Grellier-Besançon, at 18 years of age. This is Merlin's first international event, and has been chosen to compete in the 6-man under 19 Australian team. His teammates hail from Norfolk Island, WA and QLD. Merlin has been competing in QLD for the last few years, and now travels regularly to QLD to train for Hawaii. This has been a big time and financial effort already.

This is a great opportunity now for our Coffs Coast paddlers to compete, beat and learn from the best paddlers in the world, and to bring home medals, stories, and inspiration back to the Coffs Coast Club and community. Please help out if you can.