26/04/2026
Happy Sunday BOCC community!
It's that time of month! Say hi to our first Paddler for April, Filipe Estácio Costa :)
Heart, grit, and a genuine love for the water, Filipe brings it every time he shows up. Quietly determined, team-first, and always up for a paddle, he brings the kind of energy that lifts the whole crew. Enjoy as Filipe shares his love of paddling with us!
*** How long have you been paddling, and what got you started?
I started paddling in December 2020. I work as a personal trainer, and I wanted to organise a get-together with my clients to celebrate the training year. However, we were in the middle of the COVID pandemic and couldn’t gather indoors. So I looked online and found a corporate activity with outrigger canoeing. My clients liked the idea, and we had an amazing day. Since then, my partner and I started paddling once a week, then twice a week, then three times a week. We bought a paddle, then an OC2, then an OC1 🤣 The rest is history.
*** What do you love most about outrigger paddling?
I have always liked competing and being part of teams and clubs in different sports. In 2020, I was just working out, but that was not enough motivation for me. Having a sport keeps me motivated to train and take care of my fitness. I love this sport because every day is different. The water you paddle today is not the same water you will paddle tomorrow, even in the same location. It is a sport that depends on physical ability, but technique and understanding the environment matter the most. I also really enjoy the private moments in the single canoe, where I can clear my mind and focus on training. But what I love the most is having the opportunity to compete, go on expeditions, and visit amazing places. And of course, the camaraderie, having a team of more than 40 people showing up at 4:30am says a lot about this sport. It was also through paddling that I had a very special experience here in Australia. I came from Brazil to spend nine months working on my PhD, and because of this club I travelled to different places, took part in competitions, joined very well structured training sessions, experienced downwinds, and enjoyed many post training coffees. In the end, I enjoyed it so much that I extended my stay by one more month just to be able to race the Hamilton Island Cup.
*** What is your favourite race or paddling highlight so far?
It is hard to choose just one. I would say Molokabra 2025 in Brazil, a three day downwind race with 30 km each day of pure fun. Big waves, strong wind, clear water, and blue skies. It is tough but very rewarding, and I am really looking forward to doing it again this year. Another great experience was paddling to Campeche Island in my hometown, a true piece of paradise that you can usually only reach by boat or swimming.
*** What keeps you getting up before the sun for training?
Putting my name on the list the day before 🤣 I will not lie, in the daily routine it is not easy to wake up before 4am four times a week. But knowing that all the other club members will be there does not let me sleep through my alarm. It is also important to say that I have never regretted going to training. Even when the session is not great for any reason, I know it still counts towards my training bank.
*** What has paddling taught you about yourself or about teamwork?
Mindset and preparation are key to success. If your head is not in the game, if you are not focused and in the zone, your paddling will not be good enough. Paddling has taught me to respect the process and the environment. Rushing or taking unnecessary risks does not match with outrigger canoeing. In team boats, teamwork is essential. You can have six very good paddlers, but if they do not work as a unit, it will be a tough paddle.
*** What is your favourite seat in the canoe and why?
I do not really have a favourite seat, even though I am in seat one 99 percent of the time. I am happy to sit anywhere to help the group perform in the best way possible.
*** What would you say to someone considering giving outrigger paddling a go?
If you have a club near you, give it a try. It is funny because people talk about seeing sunrises, sunsets, dolphins, birds, and turtles on their holidays, once a year or even once in a lifetime. This sport gives me the chance to experience all of that almost every week. I have also travelled to some amazing places and met so many great people through this sport.
