For 2010 the PDs will be putting in 1 womens team of 10 and 1 mens team of 9.

Read on for more info around the rationale of that decision.

For 2010 the PDs will be putting in 1 womens team of 10 and 1 mens team of 9.

For whatever historical reason the top prizes and focus in outrigging is currently on mens and womens racing. This is exemplified by the fact there were 27 mens, 11 womens and 7 mixed crews at last year’s Gold Coast Cup.

Based on your feedback from the Jan 18 OC Club Meeting we’re on a journey to being the best outrigger paddlers we can be. With the sport of outrigging as it currently stands this will require a focus on mens and womens racing.

We set ourselves a great benchmark in the Cook Is racing as mens and womens. The Gold Coast Cup is the next step in our journey. Given the depth of experience and commitment in those signing up to the squad, going with womens and mens is a great opportunity to build on that benchmark.

There are also sufficient numbers to put in a mixed crew. Unfortunately there is not yet the depth of ocean experience. With the way paddlers are embracing the challenging Balmoral sessions it will only be a matter of time before this changes.
Mixed crews will continue to be a possibility at all future events with the decision being based on numbers and level of commitment.