A record number of eleven teams entered this year’s Court House Hotel Big Paddle, hosted by the local Outrigger Canoe Club, during the Carnivale Family Beach Day last Saturday.

Perfect water conditions made the races spectacular to watch.

The cooperate mixed teams (minimum of 1 female paddler) were paired up with an experienced paddler and steerer from the club. After a quick dry session, the teams set of to conquer the 350 meter sprint course.

After numerous heats and paddle offs, 4 teams battled it out in the final.
Crossing the line in first place, Johnson Constructions where followed by Bellero 2 and Port Douglas Primary school in 3rd place with Bellero 1 coming in 4th.

“We could not ask for better weather to show our sport to the public” Event Organizer Mia Messinger said. “Hopefully we will see some of today’s competitor again to try our Beginners session on Monday nights. The money we raised will go towards the purchase of a new light weight canoe.”

The all-female crew of Port Douglas Auto impressed with paddling of for minor placing leaving the odd mixed crew behind.

The club is gearing up to compete in the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge on June the 2nd.  A 40 km iron race from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.