Our Juniors Program
The juniors in our Sapphire Coast Outrigger Canoe Club (SCOCC) are learning more than just how to paddle and steer an outrigger canoe. They’re having lots of fun, making new friends, and acquiring valuable social and physical skills. Through these experiences, they’re building self-esteem and resilience, while learning essential life skills such as respect, teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Our juniors coach Chris understands that enjoyment is key to motivating young participants, whether they wish to continue paddling socially or become more competitive and compete at regattas. He recognises that positive experiences at a young age can foster a lifelong commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle. Chris caters to each child’s varying skill levels, ensuring maximised participation and development. He creates a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment where children receive personalised attention to improve their paddling and steering techniques. This individualised focus helps each child feel valued and stay motivated.
The benefits of children (and adults) participating in sport extend well beyond physical health. Sport contributes significantly to physiological and social development, and the learning of valuable life skills such as confidence, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Research underscores how sport enhances mental and physical health, fosters strong social connections, and strengthens one’s sense of identity, acceptance, and belonging.
The primary aims for our juniors are to:
• enhance the fun and motivational aspects of participation while recognising accomplishments
• encourage and strengthen junior participation at various levels of outrigger canoeing events
• create a child-safe culture where children feel respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential, and
• provide opportunities for personal growth and achievement.
Our Club is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all members, particularly our juniors. This dedication helps our Club flourish, strengthens our community, and contributes to lasting positive impacts.
Our juniors train at Mogareeka Inlet twice per week –
- Monday 4.30-5.30, and
- Friday 4.30 – 5.30.
Please contact Chris Cheung 0423919768 or Peter Bowery on 0417155839 for further details if you would like your children to become a member of our great Club and learn the exciting sport of outrigger canoeing!
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR JUNIORS
12yr old boy: I like that I get to paddle with lots of friends and I like that the boats can go in the river and the ocean. My favourite position is seat 6.
10 yr old girl: I like going paddling because it’s a time to get out in nature and spend time with some different people. I like how there’s different positions on the boats and you can do different things when you sit in different places.
8yr old boy: What I like about it is that it makes us fit and is very fun. My favourite seat is seat 3 or seat 4 because I don’t have to do any steering there.
11yr old girl: I love being on the water, seeing fish jump and the sun rise or set on us. I also love that it’s a fun activity that’s not competitive but bonding instead. Chris is a great teacher.”
11 yr old girl: I love seeing Jimmy the seal and having fun races against the other canoe/s.
8 yr old boy: I like going fast in the canoe and watching the water go past.
