Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club

GBROC - you turned it on again!!! Today reminded us why this 45km downwinder from Yorkeys K**b to Four Mile Beach is as good to paddle as any stretch of ocean in the world. It's been a privilege to capture so many epic moments over the past 15 years. To all paddlers, you are inspirational. Thanks Hekili for always turning up and keeping everyone safe on the water and to those media boat drivers who have put up with me (Matt, I promise never to bring bananas again) J x📷🫶

Fast times today 😜🌈❤️

Wishing Nic and Brad all the best at GBROC today.

We’re all cheering for you both, and we know you’ll make us proud

The 12 Foilers are ready to go 🌈👍❤️

🌊 Tomorrow is race day, and we're excited to celebrate the 15th year of the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge!

For 15 years, GBROC has brought paddlers together to experience the best of Tropical North Queensland paddling, incredible ocean conditions, and the unique spirit of our paddling community.

Now all that's left is for the wind gods to turn up and deliver the downwind magic we've all been hoping for! 🌬️🤞

Good luck to all competitors, travel safe, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water. See you on the start line! 🤙🌴🌴

⚠️ Boaties, please be aware this Saturday! ⚠️

The Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge (GBROC) will be taking place on Saturday 6 June, with paddlers travelling from Yorkeys K**b to Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas in a 45km open-water race. The event is expected to start at 9:30am, with competitors on the water for several hours.

Participants will paddle north from Yorkeys K**b, passing Haycock Island (Scout’s Hat) and Double Island before continuing offshore towards Port Douglas. Mariners operating between Cairns’ Northern Beaches and Port Douglas should keep a sharp lookout for outriggers, ocean skis, SUPs and support vessels along the course.
👊🏻Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club 🙌🏻

🚤 Please:
• Maintain a safe distance from competitors and support boats
• Reduce wash where practical when passing paddlers
• Keep a good lookout, particularly off the Northern Beaches coastline
• Follow all directions from race officials and support vessels

We wish all competitors a safe and enjoyable race and thank the boating community for helping keep everyone safe on the water.

**b

You asked for it, so here it is... the 80s-themed Closing Ceremony and Party! 🎉

The Hamilton Island Cup began its long and proud history in the late 1980s. To honour the origins of this iconic event, we're bringing the 80s back!

Dust off your neon colours, leg warmers, big hair, retro tracksuits, and classic 80s party gear as we celebrate another incredible Hamilton Island Cup in true throwback style.

Join us for a night of great music, dancing, laughs, and unforgettable memories as we pay tribute to the era that started it all.

The 80s are calling... and we're answering. See you on the dance floor! 🕺💃🎶🌴🌺

Instructions for Webscorer Tracking
https://hekilioutrigger.com.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Webscorer-Tracking-Instructions-GBROC-2026.pdf

Updated Start List for GBROC - 39 craft and 52 paddlers. Nominations will close at midday Friday June 5th.

Hekili GBROC 45km 2026 | Start list Start list: Hekili GBROC 45km 2026 @ Yorkeys K**b, Australia. Saturday, June 6, 2026 09:30 (GMT+10)

Hi team any boat owners out there in the Whitsunday region

🚤 SUPPORT BOATS NEEDED – HAMILTON ISLAND CUP 2026 🚤

The return of the Hamilton Island Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and the event is looking for additional support boats for race day.

📅 Sunday 21 June 2026🌊 42km changeover outrigger canoe race around the Whitsunday Islands

The event needs boats capable of carrying 5–7 paddlers throughout the day.

💰 Reimbursement available: $1200–$1,900 per boat

If you have a suitable boat available, or know someone who does, please get in touch with Linda for more information.

Support boats are essential to making this iconic event happen. Please share this post and help spread the word.