An early morning paddle will be part of an Amazing Race-style program that awaits the Richmond Tigers when they touch down in Cairns on Monday. But the 1km outrigger sprint will be anything but leisurely, according to Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club coach Sue Lockwood. A national outrigging champion, Lockwood said the playing group would have their strength and wits tested and she hoped to put paddle sports on the map in the Far North in the process. The Tigers arrive on Monday and for the first four days, will continue their conditioning training at Cazalys. Then, their trip takes an unconventional twist. A series of events from Gordonvale to Cape Tribulation will keep the Tigers on their toes, including a 7am outrigging ssession at Yorkeys Knob next Saturday. "I got a call from (event organiser) Dave Arnfield out of the blue and he was keen to get us involved," Lockwood said. "It's exciting to think that what we do could benefit a professional club like them, but I'm sure we will be able to test them out. "It's about teamwork, too, because a canoe doesn't go unless you all work together." Lockwood said paddle sports deserved more attention in the Far North, considering the amount of people who took part in them. This exposure, plus the canoe club's involvement with the Adventure Festival, helped, she said. "That's my big thing at the moment, promoting it as the prominent sport it is," Lockwood said. "It's massive and there is big money involved in it down south."
Last Modified on 15/01/2013 09:10