ICF Ocean Racing World Championships 2013

Sunday, 27 May 2012  |  Written by Rob Mousley

Venue

The event will be held in the Porto, Portugal. (Porto is steeped in history, having been founded in the 4th century AD by the Romans.  The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)

During summer, the predominant wind direction is NW.

Click here for wind statistics in Porto.

Date

The event date is To Be Confirmed but will be held during summer (June-August).

Event Details

This is what we know so far:

Classes

Single skis only.

A doubles race will also be held but will be regarded as a “trial” event in 2013.  Doubles as a class will be included in future events.

Age Group Categories

“ICF Ocean Racing World Champion” titles (Gold, Silver, Bronze) will be awarded to (men/women):

• Juniors (15-18)
• U23 (19-22)
• Seniors (23+)
• Masters in age groups 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

Each country will be able to send two paddlers per category, but all paddlers in the top twenty in the world rankings will also be eligible.

Any other proficient downwind paddler registered with their national body may also take part – but will fall into the Masters category.

Prize Money

Prize pool of Euros 20,000

Course

25km of downwind ocean paddling.

Waiting Period

The event would take place during a waiting period to maximize the likelihood of good downwind conditions.

Canoeing South Africa

CSA’s surfski representative Brendan Thompson announced that South Africa will be participating and will send a team to the event.

The team will be selected at the 2013 South African Surfski Championships, which will be held at least 6 weeks prior to the event.