Australia's richest surf ski racing event hits the shores of WA this weekend. Featuring the greatest lineup of surf ski paddlers from around the globe, more than 100 paddlers will make the 28 kilometer journey from Rottnest to Sorrento Beach.

Start 

The event is scheduled to start at 1.30pm from the southern end of Thompson Bay with the top paddlers coming ashore at Sorrento Beach at around 3pm.

The 6^th annual Spirit event is the last of the "big three" surf ski events dubbed as "the triple crown" with last weeks event held in Dubai and the week prior in Hong Kong.

With the exception of one, the top fourteen from the Dubai event are competing with the addition of some of Australia's top paddlers.

Event coordinator Ash Nesbit has been overwhelmed with entries for the event. "This is without doubt the greatest field ever assembled for this style of race." said Nesbit. "In the lineup we have legendary Tahitian paddler Lewis Laughlin who won Molokai this year, the Chalupsky brothers from South Africa and the leader in this years world tour race Dawid Mocke also from South Africa, he said."

(The photos below were taken at a "Baarbie" aka braai aka BBQ hosted by Dean Gardiner at his home in Perth...)

Ian Grey, Jasper Mocke, Michael Gollum Baker Ian Grey, Jasper Mocke, Michael Gollum Baker

Barry Lewin Barry Lewin

Jasper Mocke, Lewis Laughlin, Dawid Jaws Mocke Jasper Mocke, Lewis Laughlin, Dawid Jaws Mocke

Steve Woods, Daryl BarthoSteve Woods, Daryl Bartho

The field will feature a host of former world champs along with Olympians and top surf lifesaving competitors.

West Australian ironman champ Brendon Sarson along with Olympic hopefuls Reece and Michael Baker (not brothers) should do the best of the local contingent in the men's with Natasha Leaversuch in the women's.

The unbeaten Leaversuch will not have it her own way with New Zealand's Katie Pocock (last year's winner) and a host of South African ladies also competing.

Well over 30 paddlers are making the trip from the east coast along with the same number coming from overseas. Tahiti, South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Hawaii will be represented.

Perfect Conditions

Conditions at this stage look perfect for the event with 17-20 knot south west winds expected which makes for some great mid ocean surfing on the sleek 6.5 meter craft.

Event Details

Spirit Paddlesports Surf Ski World Cup                      

• Date: Saturday 8th December
• Start: 1:30pm Thompson Bay
• Finish: 3pm onwards Sorrento Beach

Start list Men

1. Dawid Mocke
2. Oscar Chalupsky
3. Lewis Laughlin
4. Tim Jacobs
5. Herman Chalupsky
6. Daryl Bartho
7. Barry Levin
8. Dean Gardiner
9. Dean Beament
10. Mike Gollum Baker
11. Reece Baker
12. Brett Bartho

Women

1. Katie Pocock (NZ)
2. Natasha Leaversuch - Ex Australian Ski Champion, 3rd 2006
3. Danica Vorster (SA)
4. Natalie Vergrangies (SA)
5. Alicia Marriott - winner Coolangatta Gold 2007

For more information

Dean Gardiner:

• 0400389730    
• This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event website:

• www.myocean.com.au

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