Torquay Outrigger Canoeing Club to host come and try days

THE Torquay Outrigger Canoe Club are looking for new members as the weather warms up for summer, urging anyone interested to come and give it a go.

Formed in 2005, the TOCC operates next to the Torquay Sailing Club and paddles weekly in Zeally Bay and beyond.

Club treasurer Meredith De Leenheer outlined what a typical session looked like.

“Paddle sessions are around 90 minutes long and are scheduled mornings and evenings, with our sunrise paddle on Wednesdays being particularly popular,” she said.

“You never know what you might see – dolphins, seals, even a whale.Outrigging offers the experience of being on the water surrounded by amazing scenery, coupled with the added feeling of safety that comes with paddling in a group. The canoes hold six people, with a steerer at the back and pacesetter at the front, with a caller who tells the paddlers when to change sides.”

“All paddlers wear life jackets and we have safety equipment on board. There is nothing quite like feeling the boat lift and move through the water, powered only by human effort.”

On Sundays at 10am, the TOCC hosts come and try days within Zeally Bay for those keen to get involved in outrigger canoeing.

“We have a wide range of ages with our oldest paddler in his 80s,” De Leenheer said.No experience is required and we have coaching for those who are seeking to improve their paddling technique.

“Because we launch in the open water it is important to have the ability to manage getting in and out of the boat and be a confident swimmer, however you do not have to be extremely fit or have paddled before – paddle fitness comes as you paddle.

“I would say to anyone who enjoys being out on the water and would like to experience our amazing coastal scenery with a fun group of people to come and give it a go. And most importantly – we always follow up our paddle sessions with a coffee.”

To enquire about joining the TOCC, email [email protected]