Australia's surfski paddlers have come out of hibernation - with a vengeance!Apart from the Ocean Series opener in Sydney (and the first ever Surfski Expo), there's the Lion Island Challenge coming up on 25th October.And in Victoria, the Charger Ski Challenge starts on 26th October... And we've got a great video of the Sydney Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach race... read all about it!
Tim Jacobs - Durban World Cup 2008 (Pic: www.anthonygrote.com)
Ocean Series and Surfski Expo
For Sydney's surfski paddlers, the winter has been full of cold, dark mornings on the harbour, dodging ferries, fending off frostbite and (occasionally) riding some big swell.Thankfully, the long winter is finally drawing to a close and the Ocean Series is back on for another year.
Ocean Series race 1 2007 (Pic: abbeydigital.com.au)
Tickets to Molokai
The series comprises five races, culminating in the legendary 20 Beaches in December.The top 3 open paddlers at the end of the series, as well as the top female paddler and two veteran paddlers will win air tickets to compete in the 2009 Molokai in Hawaii.
Dean Gardiner - Molokai 2008 (Pic: Vince Bechet)
This Saturday, the top paddlers in Sydney will take to the water for the first race of the 2008 series, the Balmain Commercial Rocks to Reef Ski Challenge at Dee Why.In addition to the race, the day will also mark the first surfski expo to be held in Sydney.All of the top brands of surfskis and everything surfski-related will be on display.This expo is set to become a great annual event and should provide an opportunity for anyone who is keen on surfski paddling to come down and check out the various craft and accessories that are on offer.
Dave Kissane (Pic: abbeydigital.com.au)
Forecast looking good
Last year's race was over a 15km course, with two 7.5km laps featuring a tough upwind leg and some good 3ft runs in the downwind sections.This year the swell forecasts are looking hopeful, with a 15 knot northerly that should provide some fun runs between Long Reef and Dee Why.
Judging by the number of guys that I've seen training in the dark through winter, there should be a big turnout for the 2008 series, and a lot of guys have stepped up since last year, meaning that the field will be hot and fast.Last year's winner, Tim Jacobs, would have to be the favourite going into Saturday's race, however there are certain to be a few guys hot on his heels.These include the likes of Dean Gardiner, Dave Kissane, Australian sprint kayakers Luke and Jake Michael and even Manly-based Durban boy Ian Gray.With the prizes of trips to the Molokai for the winners of the veterans (40-49 years and 50-59 years), there is also sure to be some healthy competition going on in those age groups.
Ian Grey Culebra Challenge Puerto Rico 2008
Get on the water!
It promises to be an exciting race and a great day, so if you happen to be in Sydney on Saturday morning make sure you don't miss it.
Get yourself down to the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club tomorrow (Saturday 20th) for the first ever Surfski Expo...
Lion Island Challenge
The Lion Island Challenge runs on Saturday 25th October 2008 at Palm Beach, NSW.Sponsored by Epic and a bunch of other retailers, there's Oz$3,000 on offer as well as an Epic ski (and other cool stuff) to be given away.
For further information please visit http://www.avalonbeachslsc.com.au/ or email
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Charger Ski Challenge
I was sent this info by ex-Saffa Ben Silverston who wrote, "We have a race here, woohoo!".Clearly it's been a long winter!
The race runs at the Albert Park Beach on Sunday October 26th.
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