The Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) is a prominent sports club based in Brisbane, Australia. Established with the objective of promoting and organising outrigger canoe racing, AOCRA has become a well-respected name in the Australian sporting community.
AOCRA is divided into five geographical zones: NQ Zone, SQ Zone, NSW Zone, Southern States, and WA Zone. Each zone has its own distinctive events and competitions, allowing members from different regions to showcase their skills and compete against each other.
Membership to AOCRA is open to individuals as well as clubs. Becoming a member offers various benefits, including access to national events, training programmes, and networking opportunities within the outrigger canoeing community. Membership renewal can be easily done to ensure uninterrupted participation in club activities.
AOCRA places a strong emphasis on the development of young paddlers. The Junior Development programme aims to nurture young talent and provide them with the necessary training and guidance to excel in the sport. Additionally, AOCRA also caters to adaptive paddlers through the “No Limits Paddling” programme, which offers inclusive paddling opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Volunteering opportunities are also available at AOCRA, allowing members to contribute to the organisation and support their fellow paddlers. Coaching accreditation and re-accreditation options are provided for individuals looking to enhance their coaching skills and contribute to the growth of the sport.
AOCRA keeps its members engaged through regular news updates, publication of race results, and an extensive race calendar for both national and international events. The association organises various prestigious events, including the AO National Marathons, AO Sydney Harbour Challenge, AO Corona Cup, and AO Downwind Series, giving paddlers a chance to compete against the best of the best.
In addition to on-water activities, AOCRA also focuses on off-water aspects such as safety protocols, grant funding information, and administration procedures. The association has a strategic plan in place for 2022 – 2025, outlining its goals and objectives for the future.
For those interested in starting their own outrigger canoeing club, AOCRA provides guidance and support in terms of structure, history, and administration. Grant funding information is also available to assist in setting up and maintaining a sustainable club.
With a dedicated and passionate team of directors, AOCRA ensures the smooth functioning of the organisation and addresses any concerns or queries raised by its members. The contact details of key representatives are provided for easy communication.
Overall, the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) is an esteemed sports club in Brisbane that promotes the sport of outrigger canoeing through its various programmes, events, and member support initiatives.