Surfers Paradise Outriggers has been established now for over 40 years (since 1983), which was originally founded by Max Christmas and Keith Williams. During those years the club has been a dominating force by producing Australian Champions in Open Masters Women, Men and Overall Champions by winning all race divisions successfully. Our members have a dedicated passion for the love of outrigger racing.
We are also highly committed to the recruitment of new paddlers and essentially the development in Junior paddlers.
The First outrigger canoe club was founded in 1908 in the Polynesian islands of Hawaii, with a governing body being established in 1950, known today as the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association.
Australia’s reputation as one of the leading countries in the world, has ensured the rapid and successful growth of the sport since its introduction to Australia in 1976.
Today there are some 5,000 registered paddlers incorporated within Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia, spread over more than 45 outrigger clubs. The top ranked clubs and competitors reside on the east coast of Australia and Surfers Paradise Outriggers is one of those highly successful Clubs.
Outrigger canoeing, a ‘blue water’ sport fits perfectly into Australian Culture. It provides for an outdoor activity which develops strong bodies and minds resulting from a sport which is physically and mentally demanding. This sport requires commitment, respect and a passion of the ocean environment.
QLD GOVERNMENT Sport & Recreation
Grant Acknowledgements
Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) Round 101 – September 2019
The Queensland Government provided funding of $28,200 to Surfers Paradise Outrigger Canoe Club Incorporated to purchase equipment to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities’.
Active Clubs Round 1 – February 2020
The Queensland Government provided funding of $2,000 to Surfers Paradise Outrigger Canoe Club Incorporated for training to improve our ability to manage the organisation to support canoeing at Main Beach’.
COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart – June 2020
The Queensland Government provided funding of $2,000 to Surfers Paradise Outrigger Canoe Club Incorporated for operating expenses, equipment and training to assist us in re-establishing our operations post COVID-19 and to enable us to continue providing physical activity opportunities throughout Queensland’.