Outrigger Canoe Racing

Be part of North Queensland’s biggest multi-sport celebration at the 2026 NQ Games in Mackay! Outrigger Canoe Racing welcomes competitors of all levels to test themselves in a professionally delivered competition while experiencing the energy, community spirit, and legacy atmosphere of the North Queensland Games. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or representing your club, this is your chance to compete, connect, and celebrate sport with athletes from across the region - register now to secure your place in the water.

Key Information:

To participate in NQ Games for Outrigger Canoe Racing, you will need to register on the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) Portal. 

Included in the fee is:

• Free North Queensland Games Athletic Cap and Bag for first 3000 registrations.

Registrations CLOSE on Friday 3 April 2026!

Competition Details (subject to change):

• This is the first regatta to be held by Sunset Bay in around 10 years and this year it will be held in conjunction with the NQ Games.
• All clubs must lodge a CLUB Nomination with payment online via the www.aocra.com.au web site. Clubs are to supply their Clubs race nominations, including team name (if any), Steerer name and Canoe numbers.
• Individuals wishing to compete in an OC1, OC2 or V1 race can nominate directly online with AOCRA Race Registration, but must advise of their club name, division and Canoe number.
• All competitors must also have recently (2025-26) completed the swim and huli test, or otherwise an approved PFD must be worn.
• All AOCRA rules and regulations will be enforced as per the AOCRA Rules available under ‘Administration’ on the AOCRA website.
• Coming from out of town?? That's great, let us help get you on the water. Sunset Bay will have limited canoes available for hire over the regatta weekend. Get in quick, call or text Renee 0412 448 805 to book your canoe today.

Saturday – OC6 Races
• 7.30 am Eimeo Beach Challenge – 18-20km marathon
Mackay Harbour – Green Island – Eimeo Beach

• 11.00 am Junior races program – Short courses 2km & 4km
Short course: Eimeo beach – Bucasia

• 12.30 pm Sprint races - 500m
Mens/ Womens/ Mixed/ Junior

• 3.30 pm Presentation / 5.30 pm Dinner at Eimeo beach SLSC Club

Sunday OC6, OC1 / OC2 Races
• 8.30 am OC 6 Short course 8-10 km
Eimeo beach – One-Tree island – Eimeo beach
OC6 canoes are derigged and put on trailers

• 10.30 am OC1 & OC 2 Short Course 4 km
Eimeo beach – Bucasia – Eimeo beach

• 12.30 pm OC1 & OC 2 Long Course 12-14 km
Eimeo beach – Lamberts beach-Eimeo beach
OC1 & OC 2 canoes are derigged and put on trailers
Presentation Dinner at Northern Beaches Bowls Club

TBD

All participants across the North Queensland Games incur a $39 Games Fee - with the first 3000 registrants receiving a registration pack with a free bag and North Queensland Games cap.

Sunset Bay Outrigger Club will charge additional event fees for registration to cover costs of running this event. Please see the table below for more information.