OUTRIGGER YOUNG GUNS TAKE OPENING GOLD

OUTRIGGER CANOE, May 14: Gold Coast-based Outrigger Canoe Club of Australia has won the first gold medal of the AOCRA 2011 OC6 National Championships at Mooloolaba today.

The club, based out of Currumbin Creek, started the day on a winning note with experienced outrigger paddler and coach Pete Dorries steering his Young Guns crew to victory in the 10km short course event.

The crew, with three junior paddlers joining three open competitors, surged ahead of the 40-strong field to open up a narrow lead after the first turning buoy and were never headed.

It was extra special for the father and son combination of experienced Masters paddler Errol Von Beinke and his 16-year-old son Aaron.

Aaron and fellow juniors, 15-year-old Rhys Phillips and 19-year-old Dylan Magee were joined by seasoned open paddler Beau O'Brien to win the first gold medal of the day.

Outrigger will start favourite to win the 22km long course men's event starting at 12.30.

The women's 18km event is in progress with pre-race favourites Surfers Paradise the early leaders.

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