June Newsletter 2025
Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters of Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club,
As we reflect on the past season and look ahead to the future, I am incredibly proud to present this report on the continued success and growth of Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club.
What began in 2009 as a small group of passionate paddlers has grown into a powerhouse of community, culture, and competition — recognised today as one of the top outrigger canoe clubs in Australia.
Competitive Success
This past year has seen Hurricane solidify its place on the national stage. We are currently ranked #2 in Australia, an outstand-ing achievement for a club of 75 members, especially when competing against much larger clubs on the east coast. This is a reflection of the commitment, consistency, and drive of every paddler who represents the Hurricane name.
Our teams have continued to perform strongly across both state and national regattas, proudly carrying the Hurricane colors in every race. With eyes now firmly on the 2026 World Sprints in Singapore, training has intensified, and the shared ambition of our paddlers has never been more evident.
Building a Strong, Inclusive Culture
At the heart of our club’s success is a deep commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming culture. From juniors to masters, from novices to elite paddlers, everyone at Hurricane trains together, supports each other, and contributes to a culture of respect, encouragement, and teamwork.
This year, we are particularly proud of the successful development and integration of our Para Canoe Program. With adaptive support and coaching, our para-athletes have made an impressive transition into paddling alongside club crews — a significant step toward making the sport more inclusive and representative. Their courage, dedication, and performance have enriched our club both on and off the water, and we look forward to seeing this program grow even further.
Whether it’s our OC1/OC2 weekday sessions, OC6 training evenings, or our Sunday community paddles, the sense of connection and camaraderie is what makes Hurricane so much more than just a club — it’s a paddling family.
Celebrating Our People
This year, we honor and acknowledge two outstanding contributors to our club. Marco will be welcomed as a life member, recognising years of commitment and leadership, and Tori Vidler will receive the Clubman Award for her extraordinary service spanning over a decade. Their dedication is an example to all of us, and we thank them sincerely for helping shape the culture we are so proud of today.
Community and Sponsorship
We continue to give back to the broader community — both through our support of East Fremantle Council and through our fundraising efforts. A highlight this year is our contribution to the Children’s Cancer Institute, supporting crucial research into childhood cancer.
Our ongoing success is made possible through the generous backing of our sponsors. We extend heartfelt thanks to:
• His Majesty
• Milestone Realty
• Running with Thieves
• Scorpius
• Linus Rare Earths
• GSK Insurance
• Tools WA
• Barbaros Marine
• Taylor Rd IGA
• Ideal Electrical
• E Fire and Safety
• Clipper Tea Company
Your support has helped us launch our latest racing canoe, maintain high-performance training programs, and continue to offer accessible and community-focused paddling experiences.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow, our goals remain focused: to compete at the highest level, to foster an inclusive environment where everyone has a place in the canoe, and to ensure Hurricane remains a vibrant and supportive paddling community.
Together, we are not just building a team — we are building a legacy.
Thank you for being part of it.
With pride and aloha,
Gordon Stimson
President
Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club
