Hosted by Five Islands Outrigger Canoe Club, Saturday was the kick off, with the NSW state titles.

Conditions were excellent for a tough 16km marathon.

A field of some 40 paddlers from all over the state set off in 15 knot nor’easter.

The race proved to be a real test of strength and stamina.

Punching into the head wind for 45min then turning the top marker for a fast, furious and exhilarating down wind run to the finish which took the leaders just over 25min.

Paddlers competing were Paul Hill, Mark Affleck, Dion Carter and Paul Watkins on the OC1’s and Lou Staunton and Kylie Young-Grey on the OC2.

Paul Watkins took 3rd across the line and 3rd in master men.

And Lou Staunton / Kylie Young -Grey took out 1st the OC2 master women division.

Great work guys.

Sunday saw our Luckys Seafood six-man crew meet an angry sea, whipping up on occasion steep running six foot plus waves and provided plenty of thrills and spills for all competitors.

Some canoes got more than they bargained for with one needing towing and another holed at the start.

With the programme set at three lots of 4km circuits, racing was tight and tactical.

With up to 17 six man canoes per heat, all heading to a small turning can, position was everything.

Conditions deteriorated throughout the day and ultimately saw the final rounds cut to shorter two km sprints and novices cancelled completely.

Our Dolphin Point Tourist Park mixed open crew (Lou Staunton, Kylie Young-Grey, Katherine Fisher, Mark Affleck, Dion Carter and Paul Watkins) won their division with a thrilling finish in their last race of the day.

Our Master men (Pat Faulkner, Dion Carter, Mark Affleck , Paul Hill and Paul Watkins) finished 4th.

Open women (Jodie Watkins, Katherine Fisher, Lou Staunton, Karelle Johnson, Kylie Young Grey and Tracey Rutter) finished 5th and mixed novice (Helen Naughtin, Heidi Graham, Tory Jauncey, Kay Smith, Kerri McKillop and Paul Hill) came a respectable 10th.

Congratulations to everyone for participating.

Great fun, friends and great racing - doesn’t get any better.