The big news this season is that the Perth WC has now moved to January. This makes it the opening event of 2009 and a must-do for all serious contenders.

For those that haven't taken part in one of the Perth events before, I can tell you that this is the most fun race on the program.

Start - Perth World Cup 2006

Similar to Molokai

With conditions very similar to Molokai (but without the cost) and with the same style of race (but without the distance), Perth is without doubt the premier "channel crossing" race - and it's accessible to all comers.

Big downwind is the order of the day - and with a two day waiting period and the ability to race the other way if need be we can almost guarantee (if there's wind) you will be racing downwind.

The Crossing

The crossing between Rottnest and Perth has the capacity to generate steep chop making for unbelievable downhill rides up to hundreds of meters long. Shallow water and strong wind mean that no matter what way we go there will be something out there for everyone.

Daryl Bartho dicing with Oscar Chalulpsky in mid-channel - Perth 2006 (Oscar won)

The organizers make the call on the Thursday night before on course and start time. Paddlers can make their way to Rottnest anytime prior to the start of the race. Last year's winner Clint Pretorius is on record saying, "There is no race like this, it has everything that a good ocean paddler would want, huge, steep chop and not too long to become a boring last man standing event." He went on, "The race is on from the first stroke and doesn't end until you hit the beach at the other end, I love these ocean crossing races"

Clint Pretorius - Perth 2006

Australasian Tour

Following Perth there will be big events in Sydney, New Zealand and possibly Tahiti, more to come on those soon.

Over the next few weeks we will be giving you all more information about all these events.

So for those planning a trip over the next few months, Perth and the other races are a must and for some this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the best paddling hotspots in the southern hemisphere.

Stay tuned

Comments (3)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Go Perth
written by Gavin Dickinson, September 18, 2008

Good on you Dean. The DSKC boys are planning a trip on mass to the race & you are right, the reports are outstanding. Our only condition is that our leader and 2006 club champ Captain Richard Howes starts in 'A Batch'. He likes it like that. Is Bob Mugabe allowed into Oz? He is our president for life.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: -4

World Series Q
written by Jamii Hamlin, September 19, 2008

Rob, what is going to be the new event format & points allocaton with the World Series for 09?
IE Will the Cape Point Challenge CT 09 becoming the last event of the season?
Would CPC influence the final decider post Dubai for Championship points or could the Champion Crown be decided by then?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

2009 World Series
written by Rob Mousley, September 19, 2008

We'll be posting the rules for the World Series 2009 shortly. I can tell you though that the Dubai Shamaal 2009 will be the final race of the series and that the first race of the 2009 series will be the first race after Dubai Shamaal 2008.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1