After many years of badgering from my workmate Erik Munoz, I reluctantly joined the Sydney Outrigger novice paddler program in 2011.   I say reluctantly because I was certain at the time I would go along for a session and then be able to say “I gave it a go… but it’s not for me”. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, this was not the case.

Our first session kicked off with all of us newbies standing knee deep in the water being shown how to paddle. Really? How hard could this be? Put the big end in the water and pull it back, right? As I went through the motions a look of confidence and a cheeky grin spread across my face.  Wow, I am pretty good at this I thought to myself. The coach was looking at me and smiling …. yep, he has identified a new paddling superstar!

About a couple of minutes into the session Coach, Pete, stood next to me and quietly whispered: “Your paddle is backwards”.

Ok, perhaps “paddling superstar” wasn’t exactly what he was thinking.

I returned to Balmoral Beach each Saturday morning to take part in the novice program and then joined the regular weekly training sessions.  7 years later I am still training with the club and have competed in many races around Australia.

Sydney Outrigger is one of those clubs where you feel truly welcome.  We push each other to be better, we celebrate our achievements, we work as a team and we will quietly tell you if your paddle is backwards.