Putting their best paddle forward

Written by Kym Braithwaite in collaboration with Helen Williamson In 2020, a couple of paddlers from Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club visited Norfolk Island to witness the Norfolk Ocean Challenge (NOC to Rock), vowing if they ever returned it would be to compete in this amazing event. 

In July 2025, the dream started to become a reality when interest was gathered, crews were formed and training began. How does one prepare for such a vastly diverse and challenging paddling event as a 26km paddle circumnavigating this tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean? 

In contrast to the usual paddling sessions, Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club extended themselves by paddling to Woorim and beyond, in all weather conditions to polish their skills, build their fitness and confidence knowing that working together cohesively as a team, trusting and relying on each other would better their chances of successfully bringing home ‘gold’ for the club and our Island. This was all in total contrast to their usual paddling sessions which saw them stay safely within the confounds of our beautiful Pumicestone Passage.  

Fast forward to January 2026, 17 excited, nervous and keen Bribie locals (two crews and supporters) converged on Norfolk Island.  

The week began with a moving opening ceremony at Emily Bay, with the blessing of the canoes. Blessings were delivered in Old Tahitian, Norf’k and English, followed by performances from the Baunti Beauties and the Paapahaia drummers showcasing traditional Tahitian dance and rhythms. 

Monday’s Norfolk Ocean Marathon 26km The coastline of Norfolk Island consists, to varying degrees, of cliff faces requiring all boats to be craned into the water with canoes being no exception as paddlers boarded from a platform – the first of many new experiences. 

Bribie Golden Master Women were first on the water and thankfully had about a 40-minute wait for the start granting time to adjust to the canoe, get comfortable and calm the nerves. Fourth on the water was the Bribie Senior Master Men and before they knew it, the much-anticipated race began. 

The conditions for the week were better than hoped for, however still provided many challenges as teams battled unpredictable water over bommies, head wind, currents and negotiated 2m swell.  Whilst focused on competing, they afforded themselves occasional glances upon the magnificent coastline, incredible birdlife and shoals of fish as they leapt from the waves – stunning, beautiful, just magical! 

By far the most exhilarating (and harrowing) part of the course was negotiating through the famous 9m wide basalt arch in the cliffs, about halfway round the course. Boy was it choppy heading into it, with waves peeling back from the rock walls. Thankfully, the jet ski support teams were amazing, yelling instructions over the wind and giving them the final go-ahead. Waves tossed the canoes around. Fortunately, they managed to stay on course all paddling on the ‘ama’ side to ensure they didn’t huli (flip)! Definitely not the moment to be distracted from the task at hand! They were met by a huge rock column upon exiting forcing them to make a quick right turn as the waves pushed them through - what an adrenaline rush!! After a few exuberate ‘whoops’, the teams refocused and regrouped as they settled in for the next 13km to the finish line. 

Proudly, our Bribie men’s crew took line honours in two hours 51 minutes bringing it home for Bribie being first in the category. Our Bribie women’s crew was second in their category in three hours 18 minutes. What a fantastic achievement! 

Wednesday’s Phillips Island Race After a night of well-deserved celebrations and a day of rest and exploring this incredible Island, the next race, advertised as a 12km mid distance, but in fact was 19km from Kingston Pier to Red Stone behind neighbouring Phillip Island and back. A slightly rougher day with large swell approaching sideways as teams crossed to the uninhabited Island. With gratitude that they could witness this stunning scenery, paddlers took the time to look up at the breathtakingly dramatic and sheer cliffs as they navigated through channels between bommies and rock stacks, feeling truly blessed that the weather gods looked favourably upon them as they paddled this course. Even though it was a hard slog back to the finish line, our Bribie men’s crew was second across the line and first in category in one hour 54 minutes! Bribie women were again second in category in two hours 15 minutes. 

Friday’s Fun Sprints Following another day of rest (and more exploring and sightseeing), teams were invited to participate in fun sprints on Emily Bay - both OC6 (six-man) and V1 (singles). Once again, Bribie men came first and fastest overall, Bribie women second in category. 

The final awards night was at Puppy’s Point, high on the cliff on the west coast - an open air ‘fish fry’ buffet gazing upon another spectacular sunset. Medals crafted from Norfolk Island Pine were presented to winning crews. The Bribie men were also awarded a perpetual trophy for the fastest men’s team and the Bribie women were awarded a hand-crafted paddle to keep for the most consistent crew! Such a fun evening, so much camaraderie among all paddlers, shared experiences, stories and laughter. 

Gratitude is extended to the Norfolk Island Outrigger Canoe Club for hosting this event, which is supported by the entire Norfolk Island Community. All were made to feel very welcome and the Bribie cheer squad made sure that Bribie Island Mahola Outrigger Canoe Club will not be forgotten in a hurry!!   

With Norfolk Island being only a two-hour flight from Brisbane, it would have to be on the highly recommended list. 

Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club definitely bought home ‘gold’ (or wood) for our little Island with outstanding success at the Norfolk Island NOC the Rock 2026 event. Our men’s senior masters team won line honours and their category in the blue ribbon 26km around the Island event, the 12km (hmmmm 19km event) mid-distance return race to Phillip Island race, as well as the Emily Bay sprint event.  

Our ladies Golden Masters team finished in second place in all of these events, making them the most successful club at this year’s NOC, with their name etched in history on the perpetual trophy and have a beautiful, hand-crafted timber paddle to hang in the club’s trophy cabinet (if only they had one, haha). 

Thanks team Bribie, supporters, Norfolk Island Wa’a Club and all fellow competitors and volunteers for this amazing event. Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club owes its success to those who made the decision to enjoy what is right in front of us - the beautiful Pumicestone Passage, to not allow age and ailments to prevent them from participating in their fitness journey, to pursuing friendship and creating bonds with others. 

If you are inspired to give paddling a go, email bribieoutriggers@gmail.com or check out Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club on Facebook.