Hurricane Paddling Crew U19 Team Aussie Titles '24

Hurricane Junior Paddling Crew, from Perth WA, a group of U19 Outrigger Canoe Paddlers, chasing a dream to compete at their first Australian Outrigger Canoe National Marathon Titles being held at Mooloolabah, QLD May 2024!

This crew is raising money to cover airfares, canoe road transport (from Perth to Queensland!) and race entry at this National Level event. Here, they will meet and compete over a four day event against the best paddlers in the country.

They will be training to race in the 10km mixed junior marathon division, in a 6 person outrigger canoe (OC6). Our juniors will also be racing in the single person craft (OC1) and double person craft (OC2) in the 8km division.

Some of our juniors have never traveled to the Eastern states - which makes this trip even more exciting! Our crew is self funded, so any support for these aspiring young athletes would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Peta Long (Hurricane Junior Team Manager)

PADDLER PROFILES -

Shaelie Marsh: Age 16

What age did you start Outrigger Canoe Paddling?

I started paddling when I was in year 7 so it’s been around 4 years already!

What paddling achievements are you most proud of?

I was one of the original juniors at Hurricane Paddling Crew at the age of 12, the first junior girl to race in an OC1 junior event in WA. I started learning 'down-winding' last year at 15. I really enjoy challenging myself in the ocean conditions.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself ?

My entire family paddles! My Nan + Grandad paddle, along with my mum once upon a time, plus two of my Aunties and now me and my younger sister Chloe!

Why is going to Aussie National Titles 2024 important to you?

I want to go to nationals mainly because I love this sport so much, the community is amazing with everyone being so kind. Our junior team is great and so skilled, they push and motivate me to do better everyday.

Lucas Ransley: Age 16

What age did you start Outrigger Canoe Paddling?

I started paddling with Geographe Outriggers in 2020 when I was in year 8 and I loved it the minute I tried it.

What paddling achievements are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of winning the U16 V1 state sprint title in 2023 and this year James and I did our first ever OC2 race in the Senior WA State champs and took out a medal. I'm also very proud to be training for Nationals with this awesome crew.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself ?

My Dad and brother are paddlers too, how lucky are we to head out on our beautiful bay. I'm a volunteer bushfire cadet and another fun fact, I enjoy speed cubing. My best time solving a rubik's cube is 15 secs. I have a condition called hydrocephalus and just under 6 months ago I had to have a bunch of brain surgeries. My focus was to get back on the water, and I am proud to have done it!

Why is going to Aussie National Titles 2024 important to you?

I can't wait to experience Nationals with this awesome crew. The paddling community is like one big family, and I can't wait to push myself, learn from others and experience the buzz of competing at my first ever National champs.

James Chartres: Age 17

What age did you start Outrigger Canoe Paddling?

I was 13 I think when I joined The Hurricane Outriggers as a junior member.

What paddling achievements are you most proud of?

My proudest achievement with outrigging was probably when we won the OC6 1000m at the WA State Titles in 2021. And this year, Lucas and I came 2nd in the Open Men's OC2 division at the 2024 WA State Championship. I’ve also challenged myself over the past year by learning ‘downwinding’.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself ?

I’m 17 (18 in May) and have just started year 12. As well as outrigging I love playing volleyball with my mates. When I finish school I hope to have a gap year and do some travelling!

Why is going to Aussie National Titles 2024 important to you?

Going to the Nationals this year is important to me as we’ve been talking about it and building up to this for so long; I want to make my team and the Hurricanes proud!

Calan Skipworth: Age 17

What age did you start Outrigger Canoe Paddling?

I started outrigging in year 8 and its been around 4 years since then, I have loved this sport since I first tried outrigging.

What paddling achievements are you most proud of?

I have so many achievements that I am proud of but the one that stands out the most is being the youngest person ever to paddle and complete the 28km race called the doctor from Rottnest Island to Sorento in an oc1. I had to train really hard to do this and I am grateful that I did because I learnt so much from it.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself ?

I am a year twelve student, my dream is to race in oc1 outriggers around the world and to enjoy every moment of it. I love videogames and anime. I am very excited about going to nationals this year.

Why is going to Aussie National Titles 2024 important to you?

I want to go to nationals because it would be a dream come true, travelling across Australia to race would be amazing, the experience would be amazing. Outrigging has become such a major part of my life and by doing this it would mean so much to me being able to represent my club.