For Pittwater Outriggers Canoe Club, this year’s Hamilton Island Cup has been much more than a race—it has been a celebration of community, teamwork and the spirit of outrigger paddling.
The iconic Hamilton Island Outrigger Cup returned for 2026. First held in 1984, the event went on to build a 20-year legacy, attracting thousands of paddlers from across Australia and around the world to Hamilton Island.
After a 10 year hiatus, it was wonderful to welcome this celebrated event back to its home, honouring a tradition that brought paddlers together for decades. The comeback of the iconic Hamilton Island Cup from Australia featured 5 days of paddling action and festivities, including the 42km race around Hamilton Island, The BIG Race, which drew teams from around the world, including from Hawaii, a birthplace of modern outrigger canoeing.
The Pittwater Outriggers Club travelled to Hamilton Island for its first-ever appearance at the prestigious event, bringing a team of 12 paddlers ranging from first-time competitors to athletes with more than 20 years of paddling experience.
Half the team were novices, with several competing in only their first or second regatta. Among them was 15-year-old Harry, the youngest member of the squad, who travelled and competed alongside his father Matt in their first outrigger event together.
The team also featured husband-and-wife paddling partnerships, including novices Jen and Paul, as well as experienced paddlers Peri and Eric, who between them bring more than 35 years of outrigger experience to the club.
Despite being newcomers to the Hamilton Island Cup, Pittwater Outriggers quickly made their mark. On Day 1, Golden Master John Ross and Platinum Master Eric Liddel claimed gold in the Golden Master OC2 8km event, while a novice OC2 crew proudly completed the course alongside more experienced competitors.
Day 2 saw the club’s Senior Master crew deliver a standout performance, finishing just behind crews paddling state-of-the-art ultralight canoes in the demanding 16km Round the Island race. The club’s Golden Master crew also produced a strong performance against a highly competitive field.
The excitement continued on Day 3 through the 4km Dash and Sprint Eliminator events, where teamwork, determination and a sense of fun were in full force.
For a club that has spent recent years building its membership, the Hamilton Island Cup represents an important milestone in its growth. The experience has inspired the team to return stronger, with members already eyeing the iconic 42km Changeover Race as a future challenge.
“We came to Hamilton Island to learn, compete and enjoy the experience. To come away with a gold medal, strong performances and memories that will last a lifetime has exceeded all expectations,” said Coralie, novice senior master and club committee member.
For Pittwater Outriggers, the event showcased exactly what makes the club special—bringing together paddlers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels to achieve something remarkable as a team.
Led by President Kiki Paul, Head Coach and founding member Gary Finnigan and a dedicated volunteer community, the club caters for everyone from social paddlers seeking an active lifestyle to athletes competing at state, national and international events.
As the club continues to grow, it is seeking sponsorship partners to support equipment upgrades and help its paddlers compete on equal footing with clubs using the latest ultralight racing canoes. Sponsorship offers businesses the opportunity to align with a positive, community-focused sporting organisation in one of Australia’s most iconic coastal regions.
New members are welcome year-round. To learn more about paddling, sponsorship opportunities, contact paddle@pittwateroutriggers.com.au.
Report by Coralie George
