Coastal Rowing at Shelter Cove Inaugural Outrigger Canoe Outing in Sai Kung

from Ahoy! May 2021

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Inaugural Outrigger Canoe Outing in Sai Kung – Shelter Cove to Yau Ley!

WORDS: ANTONY WOOD | BILL CHALMERS | IMAGES: NICK CRABB

uesday 7 April 2021, saw the inaugural OC6 session out of Shelter Cove. Many years in the making, and conceived by the incomparable Nick Crabb, the outing – advertised as a “lunch paddle” – did not disappoint. The paddling was stout and the lunch delicious! Six intrepid pioneers set off at the crack of 1030hrs, after ensuring Antony Wood’s caffeine intake had reached safe operational levels. Joining he and Nick were John Trotter, Angel Baca, Lillian Wong, and Bill Chalmers.

A 1 hour 20 minute, 22km paddle via Kau Sai narrows, landed the crew at High Island Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant, where we fueled up on a fine selection of clams, squid, noodles, and rice. Along the way, power boat traffic provided a steady supply of bumps, which we chased with varying degrees of success. Our return trip, with Antony at the helm and a modest following sea, offered more. Despite the fact we should have been enjoying our naps, we chased and chased the bumps, and enjoyed a number of satisfying pushes. Our return to Shelter Cove was followed by appropriate beverages and repast. OC6s and Shelter Cove promises to be THE NEXT BIG THING!

WORDS: JILL CARROLL | IMAGES: JILLY CARROLL | ERIN JUHL

y husband Stuart and I initially became acquainted with the Club through a dinghy sailing course in 2020. That was followed by the SUP basics course with coach Melissa Davis and a beginners rowing course, facilitated by Paul Kidman. When we were out coastal rowing, we would often see OC1s, OC2s and OC6s* going out. Having never seen one before, we wondered what they were. I recall asking Stuart, “how on earth do they work?” Stuart suggested that the only way we would know is to attend the Outrigger Canoe (OC) Beginner’s course. So in October, we finally attended the Beginner’s Course and subsequently signed on for the Development Course.

The Development Course surpassed all our expectations. It was excellent. Paddle Coach Melissa Davis and the Rowing and Paddle Sport Manager Nick Crabb did a great job introducing us to the OC world. As we committed to the course, 5am starts for the 6am paddle became a new introduction into our lives. From the first session, there was a real sense of belonging and working together as a team in the OC6. The dedicated “what’s app” group for the development paddlers was a great way for us to ask lots of questions (mainly about paddles and technique) and get lots of encouragement from Nick, Melissa and seasoned paddler Jeremy Young. and supported by everyone we met. Captains, Stephanie and Ryan, answered any queries and questions we had and supported our integration into the main group. For this, I would like to say ‘thank you’. We now attend training sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday’s and it has been addictive.

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Stuart has been given the opportunity to learn how to steer, receiving guidance from more experienced Steers. In March, we both took part in our first OC6 race, the monthly VRC series. It was exhilarating! All the training sessions we had done prepared us for the race, although we were both absolutely exhausted after the race.

The past few months have been the beginning of a life-long paddle journey. One that involves perfecting our paddling technique, gaining strength, focusing on our craft and of course having fun. We both look forward to continuing this journey.