-
November 2011
Become an OCUK member!
There are many reasons to become an OCUK member: races in fantastic locations (Hawaii, for one!), the opportunity to take part in an extreme water sport, Alohan cameraderie and getting really, really fit looking... Contact info@ocuk.org to try out the best water sport around!
OCUK's moonlit walk for charity
On Saturday October 1, eight OCUK paddlers walked a gruelling night-time marathon around London raising an amazing 1, 270 pounds for children's cancer research. The 27 miles took nine hours and saw OCUK crossing the finish line at 5:30 am Sunday morning. We are proud that our efforts off of the water can generate much needed funds for such an important cause.
Ggggrreattt!
Four OCUK crews battled through rain, wind and hail to reach the finish line of the this year's Great River Race. OCUK's women's crew flew across the line, knocking four minutes off of their time from 2010 and earning the prize of Fastest Women's Crew for the third year in a row. Our Men's crew once again won the Fastest Thames Based trophy.
Big Island fun
At the beginning of September 2011, two crews from OCUK converged on Kona, Hawaii to compete in the prestigious 40th anniversary Queen Liliu'kolani Race. Hosted by the Kai 'Opua Canoe Club, the Queen Lili is the world's largest long distance outrigger canoe race and features three days of racing, with a range of events each day.
The long distance events were on Saturday: 18 miles along the coast for the ladies, followed by a return trip for the men. These events saw OCUK finishing mid pack.
The double-hull event on Sunday brought OCUKs women's crew and the NZ ladies together to paddle hard in what was a fight for space. After breaking free from the "carnage" at the start, the crew finished a strong seventh place.
However, it was the Ali'I Challenge on Monday where OCUK shone - a second place Podium finish and a TV interview. OCUK are on the map!
An extremely fun race, with very gracious hosts! Thank you Kai 'Opua.
Mahoney secures world gold
Pat Mahoney took the top spot in the men's V1 200m Paracanoe LTA class at this year's ICF Canoe Sprint World Championship. We're extremely proud of Pat, here at OCUK. He's a tremendous ambassador for the sport of outrigger canoeing and proves that it's possible to realise your dreams, if you have the courage to do more than dream!
March 2011
Earthquake heroism
OCUK was rattled by the news of the Christ Church earthquake on February 22, 2011. Many of our members, and former members, hail from New Zealand, and many of our loved ones live in Christ Church. The pain of watching the devastation on the news was accentuated by the realisation that all of us were thousands of miles away and could offer no assistance. It was a shock, then, to open the Evening Standard the day after the earthquake and see a picture of one of our own aiding in the rescue efforts (Danny is on the far right in the front page photo). OCUK's Danny Marquet, who had moved back to NZ only two months earlier, has long been an OCUK legend for his Herculean efforts around the club. Now, he holds a different place in our hearts. Thank you Danny!!
And, let the season begin
OCUK's 2011-2012 season start is just around the corner. We've got a fabulous race calendar in the making. Kicking it all off is our April 9th ice breaker party. Proceeds from the party will go to the NZ Earthquake fund. So, come out and show support for NZ and show off your paddle-rific dancing moves.
OCUK beach holiday
Each year intrepid OCUKers head to Studland for sand and surf months before the UK summer begins. This year, OCUKs May Bank holiday training camp is April 29th to May 2nd. Have no fear, it won't all be hard work. Post training, we'll hoist a good few pints of Fossil Fuel at the Bankes Arms in honour of the newest Royal.
We're not mucking about
Anyone who is familiar with the banks of London's River Thames is also familiar with the mud--and with the regular offerings of rubbish (coconuts, used needles, bicycles, guitars, the list goes on...) the Thames makes to those who use it. With the help of the Kew Scout Group, OCUK joined forces with Thames 21 to lend a hend cleaning up the foreshore at Isleworth.
Become a member
There's no better way to get fit than in an Outrigger Canoe! Contact info@ocuk.org to sort out your summer fitness plans.
July 2010
Brighton rocks!
OCUK's second outing for charity at Brighton's Paddle Around The Pier event was a resounding success.
The seas were calm at the start of the race (never a fun thing for adrenaline junkie canoers). But, by the end of the first of the three race laps, the surf was definitely up!
OCUK's Brian Denholm gave the crowd a graceful ama "wave" as he crossed the finish line first in the Men's category. Siobhan Thomas rode the surf to victory in the women's competition, celebrating her success with an equally graceful huli at the shore.
The event featured a bevy of international paddlers including James C. Deak and Chuck Bergman from Belgium and Leon Rossbotham from Hong Kong. For complete race results, see the OCUK race results page.
New York, New York
OCUK is bringing a bit of British spirit to American shores at the end of July. We're returning to New York to compete in the 2010 Liberty World Outrigger Competition. Ask us nicely and we might wave to the Statue of Liberty for you. After the race, of course.
Mahoney on track for Poznan
Patrick Mahoney showed his winning colours at the BCU Sprint Racing National Regatta on July 3, placing first in the Paddability v1 500m and Paddability v1 200m. We're very proud of Pat, here at OCUK. If you'd like an autograph from the man himself, pop down to one of our training sessions.
Water Wunderbar
OCUK is heading to Bremerhaven, Germany on August 28 and 29 for the Outrigger-47-Challenge 2010. Why is it called Outrigger-47? You'll have to vist the race website to find out!
June 2010
Brava!
OCUK women brought home 4 medals in the 6 km race at Italy's presitigious All Wave Cup.
After a harrowing start, OCUK's Jenny Williams hammered the competition to secure a gold medal in the Open Women category. Odette Bauman, Sheila Wells and Sasha Knox, finished first, second and third respectively in the Masters Women category.
The event was an incredible source of inspiration for paddlers of all ages. The weekend featured a junior race and the two top finishers in the 21km event were Joel Bardini, 53 years of age, and Sandra Steraij, 46 years of age--demonstrating that outrigger canoeing is a sport that improves with age! For more information see: http://www.allwave-cup.com/
Team GB!
Pat Mahoney, two-time international IVF canoeing medallist, has secured a coveted spot on the Great Britain paracanoeing team. He'll be competing at the Interational Canoe Federation (ICF) World Championships in Poznan in August. http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/
Paddle Around the Pier
For the second year in a row, OCUK will be partnering with Brighton's Padlle Around the Pier Event. We're racing on July 3, 2010 in Brighton and having a fun day of paddling on July 4 to raise money for charity. Come along and see us! http://www.paddleroundthepier.com/