About us
Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club – A Force of Nature
Over the past 15 years, Hurricane has grown into one of Western Australia’s largest and most successful outrigger canoe clubs, with a strong reputation both on and off the water.
Our paddlers compete at State, National and International level across a range of disciplines, from social and recreational paddling through to high-performance racing. We are proud of our competitive results and, most importantly, the strong club culture and community that continue to drive us forward.
Our Clubhouse
Our clubhouse, proudly supported by the Town of East Fremantle is at the heart of Hurricane Paddling Crew. It’s where our members come together for training, events, fundraisers, social gatherings and, of course, our famous Thursday night BBQs!
The clubhouse is equipped with a gym, bathrooms and showers, providing our members with everything they need to train, recover and connect. But what makes it truly special is the people who make it happen. Our club is built on a strong spirit of volunteering and teamwork, with members pitching in to help maintain the space and keep Hurricane running.
Our Craft
Our fleet includes a range of heavy and lightweight OC6 canoes, along with OC1, OC2, V3 and V1s, giving members plenty of options to train, develop their skills and enjoy paddling across different crafts. Club canoes are available for use during scheduled training sessions, with members also able to book selected equipment for personal use, subject to availability.
We’re committed to continually investing in and expanding our equipment, with fundraising and club initiatives helping us provide quality canoes and equipment for our members.
Personal OC1 storage is also available at the clubhouse, subject to space and an additional annual fee. With more than 50 privately owned OC1s currently stored at the club, there’s certainly no shortage of canoes around here!
Our Members
At Hurricane, we’re all about family, community and competition. Our members come from all walks of life and all levels of experience, from people picking up a paddle for the first time to experienced paddlers competing at State, National and International level.
We have a strong mix of juniors, seniors, social paddlers, competitive athletes and para-canoe paddlers, with everyone encouraged to find their place within the club. Whether you’re here to race, get active, learn something new or simply enjoy being on the water with a good bunch of people, there’s a place for you at Hurricane.
Our para-canoe program is an important part of our club community, providing opportunities for paddlers of all abilities to get involved, develop their skills and enjoy the sport. Supported by our coaches, volunteers, families and wider membership, the program continues to grow and create new opportunities both on and off the water.
LIFE MEMBERS & SERVICE TO THE CLUB
Hurricane has been shaped by the many people who have given their time, energy and passion to our club over the years. We’re grateful to all those who have helped build Hurricane into the club it is today, and who continue to contribute to our community.
We proudly recognise the following members for their long-standing service and contribution to the club.
Graeme Smith
Life Member
Stewart Tempest
Life Member
Debbie Celenza
Life Member
Marco Celenza
Life Member
Peter Meuwissen
Service to the Club
Tori Vidler
Service to the Club
Katerina Vichou
Service to the Club
Our History
From Dragon Boats to Outrigger Canoes.
Situated on the banks of the Swan River in East Fremantle, Hurricane was founded in 2009, originally as a Dragon Boat Club.
From the beginning, the club was driven by a small group of passionate paddlers who wanted to compete at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally. Along the way, they built the strong sense of camaraderie and competition that continues to be part of Hurricane today.
As the club evolved, so did the sport we called home. Hurricane gradually transitioned from dragon boats to outrigger canoeing, and today, outrigger is at the heart of everything we do.
In September 2025, members voted at a special AGM to officially change the club’s name to Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club Inc. While dragon boats are no longer part of our paddling program, they remain an important part of our story and the foundations on which the club was built.
Want to know more? Take a look at our Early Years & Timeline for a deeper dive into Hurricane’s history.
Governance
Governance
Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club Inc. is a registered not-for-profit club run by a dedicated team of volunteers. We’re committed to being open, inclusive and transparent, with decisions made in the best interests of the club and its members.
Each year at our September AGM, members elect the Club Committee to help guide the club and oversee its finances, facilities, operations and future direction.
The Committee is responsible for the overall management and governance of the club, including maintaining our policies, supporting our members and ensuring the club continues to operate safely, responsibly and in line with our values.
Our club policies include:
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Rules of Association
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Code of Conduct
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Crew Selection Policy
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Guideline for Interacting with Children Policy
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Health and Safety Policy
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Inclusion Policy
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Risk Management Policy
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Social Media Policy
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Website Privacy Policy
OUR COMMITTEE
Our Committee is made up of dedicated volunteers who bring a great mix of experience, knowledge, fresh ideas and a genuine commitment to Hurricane.
Together, they help guide the club, support our members and keep Hurricane moving forward.
Gordon Stimson
President
Justin Bloomfield
Vice President
Georgina Smith
Administrator
Sharon Corsbie
Secretary
Geoff Bryant
Team Manager
Gail Bricknell
Treasurer
Arlina Sulaiman
Membership
Kai Hoffmann
Sponsorship Liaison Officer
Peta Long
Junior Coordinator
OUR COACHES
Our coaches bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to every session, helping paddlers build their skills, confidence and fitness in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re new to the sport or training to compete, our coaching team is here to help you get the most out of your paddling while keeping training challenging, constructive and enjoyable.
Leigh Bricknell
Head Coach
Tori Vidler
Coach
Gordon Stimson
Coach
Greg Long
Coach
Maegan Miller
Coach
Marco Celenza
Coach
Rhys Robinson
Junior Coach
Justin Bloomfield
Coach
Sharon Corsbie
Coach
AOCRA
Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club is a member of the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA), the national governing body for outrigger canoe racing in Australia.
AOCRA oversees the sport nationally, including competition, athlete pathways, safety and membership requirements. Hurricane paddlers have the opportunity to compete in events at State and National level through the AOCRA racing calendar, and our club regularly hosts and participates in AOCRA-sanctioned events throughout the season.
All Hurricane paddlers are required to hold current AOCRA membership as part of their club membership.
AOCRA requires that all members of outrigger clubs across Australia are members of AOCRA.
For more information, visit https://aocra.com.au/