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This weekend is the start of the Caribbean mini Tour. The Soualiga Challenge in St Maarten kicks it off on Sunday 28th and the Defis Guadeloupe follows on Sunday 5 October. The field is looking incredibly strong, with 36 paddlers entered for the Soualiga Challenge and sixty boats entered for the Defis Guadeloupe.
 Awesome Caribbean paddling - Barry Lewin, Benoit Leroux, Stuart Knaggs, Soualiga Challenge 2007
New Look French Team
The new-look French team is out in force, lead by Benoit Le Roux (who came very close to spoiling Oscar's day in August). The French have taken to surfski in the last year in a big way and are not going unnoticed anymore! Bevan Manson is representing SA and there are a few other dark horses about like Derick Bezuidenhout who know how to make a boat move. The $ 12 500 total prize money, Surfski.info points and Downwind 2 Dubai incentives means that there is more than just bragging rights at stake for the series.
Team Event
Apart from being an individual event, there will also be a competition for national teams attending. National teams consist of three paddlers, with the best two results counting. We are hoping to have a strong showing in this category, held for the first time this year. Also, as a first in the Caribbean, we will be having an "exhibition" entry in the OC1 class. We are looking forward to the growth of this great form of Ocean racing in our region.
 Start - Soualiga Challenge 2007
Party, party, party (but watch out for the rum)!
Visiting paddlers are being put up free on a fleet of catamarans or at sponsored rates in the Marina Hotel. All transport to the start of the race is included in the entry fee as is a slap up lunch - paella washed down with sangria this year! Some hot partying on the beach in the evening along with a 25litre barrel of rum is lined up for the brave few after the race.
 Last year's winners...
Thanks to the Sponsors!
Of course big thanks to our sponsors, Philipsburg Pharmacy, Captain Oliver's Resort, Suppligen and many others.
 ICFIC
Learn 2 Paddle
The added attention that the sport of surfski has received in the local area in the last few months has meant a huge growth in interest in the sport from the public. Our Learn 2 Paddle surfski school program now has four instructors giving a total of nine hours of instruction per week. Our groups are divided by age and ability, ranging from 13 years old to adult.
For more information on what is happening in our region, see www.canoe-an.com or contact Stuart Knaggs by email
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