Coochie Outriggers |
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Image by Nick Obrien |
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens on Coochie just after dawn.
The ferries are quieter. The kookaburras are still carrying on like unpaid town criers. The water often looks almost suspiciously calm. And out near the bay, cutting across the glassy surface with rhythmic precision, you’ll sometimes spot the Coochie Outriggers already well into their morning paddle.
Not bad for a bunch of people who insist they’re “just having a bit of fun.”
If you’ve seen the crew paddling lately, or caught glimpses in this short video from the water, Coochie Outriggers on YouTube you’ll know there’s something quietly compelling about it all. It’s not flashy. It’s not overly polished. Nobody’s trying to become an Olympic celebrity by Tuesday.
But there’s a rhythm to it that gets under your skin.
The paddle enters the water. Pull.
Six people moving together in sync across Moreton Bay somehow looks both peaceful and ridiculously hard work at the same time.
And perhaps that’s part of the appeal. Outrigger canoeing has deep Polynesian roots stretching back thousands of years, but on Coochie it’s become something beautifully local. Part fitness. Part friendship. Part “well, I thought I’d give it a go once and now apparently I own three pairs of quick-dry shorts.”
The thing people often don’t realise is you do not need to arrive already fit, sporty or coordinated.
Honestly, some people can barely coordinate themselves and a reusable shopping bag before coffee.
Yet somehow, the boat works. That’s because outrigging isn’t really about individual performance. It’s about timing, teamwork and trust. One paddler out of sync affects everyone. When it all clicks, though, the canoe almost seems to lift across the water.
And yes, apparently there’s a lot more laughter than people expect. The Coochie crew paddles regularly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, gathering around 6:15am for a 6:30 start. Which, for many mainlanders, sounds deeply offensive as a concept. But ask the paddlers and most will tell you the same thing: once you’re out there watching the sunrise hit the bay, it makes sense.
What’s especially lovely is the mix of people involved. Different ages. Different fitness levels. Different backgrounds. Some are seasoned paddlers. Some joined because they wanted exercise without the soul-crushing atmosphere of a gym. Others, like me, like to get the morning sunshine on their faces, a great way to start a day!
Others simply wanted connection.
That part matters more than people realise. For a small island, Coochie has an extraordinary number of quiet little communities within the community. The gardeners. The artists. The crochet crew. The Coastcare & Bushcare legends. The early morning walkers. The people who somehow know everyone’s dog but not always the owner’s name.
The Outriggers are another one of those groups quietly stitching resilience and connection into island life. And there’s something deeply reassuring about seeing people literally pulling together in the same direction. Particularly these days.
The best bit? Most newcomers are surprised by how welcoming it is. There’s no big macho energy. No intimidating “elite athlete only” vibe. Just encouragement, practical guidance and a lot of salty humour before sunrise.
Also, fair warning… once you paddle on a perfectly still morning with dolphins nearby and the island slowly waking up behind you, normal exercise starts to feel a bit average.
You’ve been warned.
Curious to give it a go? Call Helen on 0414533781, she will steer you in the right direction 🛶
PS/awesome job to Nick Obrien who got up at stoopid o'clock (more than once) with the rest of us to shoot and edit the fab video of the outriggers doing what we do best...check it out below. |
Video by Nick Obrien |
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