[Editor: For some of the major 2007 races around the world the Dubai Shamaal organizers have arranged sponsorship for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd paddlers to travel to Dubai.  Because of the timing of the 2007 Perth World Cup (after the Dubai Shamaal!) this didn't work for Australia - so three separate "Cash to Compete" events are being run around Australia.  The winner of each of these races gets US$1000 if he arrives in Dubai to race the Shamaal race...]

Ken Wallace...

Seaway to Currumbin Creek

The first of the Aussie races was held on Australia's East Coast on the weekend. The Currumbin Creek Paddlers Gold Coast Winter Series was the setting for race one and was held in some nice downwind conditions.

Start of the Seaway to Currumbin race

Australia's (and one of the world's) fastest paddlers, Ken Wallace, won the event and looks set to become one of the new kids on the block in global ocean racing. Wallace has dominated sprint racing in Australia over the last year and finished a creditable 5^th in this years world champs in the shorter races.

While relatively new to endurance ocean races and only getting into his Mako 6 a few days before the event (after never paddling an ocean racing ski before), the Gold Coast local chewed up the 26k in a speedy one hour and thirty eight minutes edging out myself and Rob Pommie.

Ken Wallace at the start

Wallace picks up $1000usd if he turns up in Dubai and I believe if he did some work he would be a hard one to beat in the calmer conditions.

The next event will be the Lion Island Challenge in Sydney followed by the King of the Cape in WA. With only two spots left for the trips to Dubai these next two events should see some of the hotties coming out of the woodwork.

Results Summary

For full results, see: www.geocities.com/currumbinpaddlers

Lion Island Challenge

1.  Entries

Online entries are now available through www.oceanseries.com.au or on the day. 

2. The Course

The 14km ocean endurance ski race will start and finish from the Pittwater side of Palm Beach around Lion Island to south Palm Beach and return. If the water is un-favourable on the day an alternate course will be set in more sheltered waters. An 8km board and social ski race will also be available.

3. Accomodation

Avalon Beach SLSC members have kindly offered to accommodate any participants travelling from afar for this race. Please contact Brett Greenwood on 0414 666 484 if you need a bed for the night.

4. Parking

Free Parking permits until 2pm will be provided in your registration bag.

5. Dubai Shamaal International Surf Ski Race

The winner of this race will receive a US$1000 travel package to compete in the Dubai Shamaal Surf Ski Race on 30 November 2007.

 Visit www.dubaishamaal.com for further info. 

RANDOM PRIZE DRAW (Must be at presentation to be eligible)

1. EPIC KAYAKS

Epic Kayaks has kindly donated two carbon- fibre paddles to be given away at presentation. Race packages will also be available in your registration bag. Contact Dave Kelynack on 0412 234 449 or visit

www.epickayaks.com

2. GPS OZ & GARMIN

‘G.P.S. Oz' in conjunction with ‘Garmin' will give away one Garmin

GPS to one lucky paddler. Visit www.gpsoz.com.au for further info. 

3. NIKE Vision

‘NIKE Vision' has donated 3 pairs of the latest design ‘sports sunglasses'

4. TYR Gift Packs

TYR has donated gift packs including bags, hats, costumes & goggles.

 5 Additional prizes

• The ‘Virginia Head' Lion Island Challenge Trophy

• Medals for top 3 place getters in each age category

• ‘Equilibrium' Health Packages

• ‘Ultra Fit' magazines and prescriptions

• ‘I Cycle' introductory lessons

• ‘Jonahs' restaurant vouchers

Shamaal Anchorman - Register NOW

The Shamaal Anchorman competition which sees one lucky winner being flown all expenses paid to Dubai and being given an Epic V10 Elite to race and keep - a prize worth some $12,000 - closes on 15 October.  Enter the competition on www.surfski.info.

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