Has anyone paddled a SUP between Bondi and North Head?
None that I know of. I have paddled ocean skis through this area and it is special. Shear 50 metre cliffs dropping into crystal clear water.
The bumps are really fun through this water. Lots of little A-frames due to the bounce of the cliffs.
The Bondi clubbies put on a good show with this race. The "after party" at the Watsons Bay Hotel is particularly good. In the past they have usually provided complimentary Fish and chips with a beer voucher to wash it down.
For details, go to: http://online.oceanseries.com.au/pages/oceanseries-events/bondi-to-watsons-bay.php
The forecast is showing great weather with a light southerly which is perfect for this course. However, they will reverse the course if the wind is north.
Remember, PFDs are compulsory. See Sam at WSS or Dean at Oceanpaddler if you need one.
Let me know if you need a lift over from the Northern Beaches and we will try to co-ordinate transport.
Quick points update:
Unlimited: Sam and Andy are equal at the top, with Pete Myer closing.
12'6: Stevie followed by Dave and newcomer Brad Gall.
Women: Terrene Black leads Lanee Beashel (yes, she is a good sailor). Terrene will consolidate her lead this weekend as Lanee puts herself through some Hawksberry Classic Hell
Is this the Lanee Beashel you are talking about?
Lanee "Carrie" Butler-Beashel, born 3 June 1970 in Manhasset, New York, is an American windsurfer. She competed at four Olympics from 1992 to 2004.[1] Her best position was fourth in 2000.[2]
She is married to America's Cup sailor Adam Beashel. Her brother in law is six-time Olympian Colin Beashel. She and Adam have two sons, born in 2008 and 2009.[3]
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanee_Butler
Yeah I did Bondi to Opera house a couple of years ago.
Researched the trip quite a bit and it is an interesting piece of coastline.
OK - looks like there is a bit of a crew going over from North side on Saturday. If you need a lift, PM me. The plan is to meet at my place at 6.45am and take a couple if cars so we can sort out the car shuffle between Bondi & Watsons Bay.
I hate to be a party pooper, but for completely selfish reasons i hope you don't get wind. Alternatively if you do I hope it dies as soon as everyone has finished around midday. Forecast is looking good for me and Lanee but not so good for DWs, I hope it stays that way.
Hey Dave, have you heard if the SUPs will have an earlier start. Only way i can get some SUP footage is if they do this.
Cheers R
I have a question for you guys.
I can paddle the distance but I know I can't keep up with the likes of Sam and you northern beaches guys for speed and would really like to compete in some of these type of events.
That being the case, are these races more for the hardcore speed demons only or can the turtles who can paddle the distance without stopping but in their own time welcome or just wasting everyone's but their own time ?
I guess sort of like the guys who compete in the City to Surf / Triathalon's etc to better themselves rather than to finish at the top end.
Any thoughts ?
Mate not many guys can keep up with those top guys but you should give it a go would be a great paddle regardless what place you come or what time you do....
Would love to be there myself but the surfing comp is on....
Hey Chris. Based on the forecast, you should do it. It is looking like a beautiful morning with a light NE wind which will make it fun. So the start will most likely be from WATSONS BAY.
The series has been set-up to encourage participation. There is no prizemoney (except for the 20 Beaches at the end of the series). Just really good draw prizes and medals for placegetters. Do 3 races in the series (including the 20 beaches) and you get the chance to add to your STARBOARD collection via the end of series main draw . You can also go to the Doctor: oceanpaddler.com/events/the-doctor/
The first couple of races were easy 8 k'ers. this one is a bit more of challenge as it is open ocean and about 12km. REMEMBER TO BRING A PFD. If you don't have one, Sam sells them.
Enter online at Online Registrations (by midnight tonight I think) at www.oceanseries.com.au to avoid the surcharge of $10 on the day.
Thanks guys.
I'm good to go, going to bring the GoPro for some helmet footage too.
Really looking forward to it but hoping I'm not the last one onto the sand at Bondi but if I am, just cheer me on.
Thanks again.
Will be a super fun event, wish I could go as well looking at the forecast (but SUPA surfing comp on).
Chris, I would be one of the guys up the back keeping you company
ok Chris will bring my Go Pro as well and see if i cna make a half decent vid from the footage !
I've put off on getting a PFD for so long looks like I will have to organise one..
It does like like a fun morning, it'll be good to have a good SUP turnout hopefully too.
Sorry you can't trail at the back with me Goaty - damn.
I've got this PFD which I thought was really good last year but it seems that it'd be outdated now with the 'bumbag' one's I'm hearing about.
It does the job though and doesn't hinder my shoulders - just feels big. Hmmm, to buy another or not ?
Sorry about my ugly mug in the shot, I'm at work and don't have the tools to crop on the work 'puter !...was thinner then too.
Looking forward to the race and the forecast is looking good too.
Can't wait to try out the 14' Bullet in some downwind conditions
Off topic slightly but just came across these;
www.whitworths.com.au/
Marlin BumBag PFD1 Inflatable Yoke
SKU: 18387N
Key Benefits & Features:
Specifications
Great design makes it easy and comfortable to wear.
150 newtons (when inflated).
Sized for adults 40-60kg and 60kg and over.
Backup oral inflation.
Certified to Australians standards AS 1512 (PFD type 1) this waist belt is only PFD 1 if it is worn.
The Marlin waist belt PFD is fully inflatable personal floatation devices designed for boaters, cruisers, fisherman, canoeists and other watersports enthusiasts. They are designed and certified to AS1512 (PFD type 1 jacket) whilst making the wearer comfortable. The Marlin waist belt has the same amount of buoyancy and safety as the other Marlin inflatable jackets on the market.
A durable polyester pouch in a navy blue is provided which protects the highly visible brightly colored bladder. The seams of the bladder have been heat welded for leek proof integrity. When fully inflated the Marlin bum bag PFD provide 150 newtons of buoyancy. A sturdy webbing belt holds the unit securely around the waist and the Marlin buckle has an audible "Click" which tells you it's secured. The Marlin waist belt PFD has a manual rip cord - activated inflation system with an oral inflation valve for backing or topping off.
The waist belt is sized for adults 40-60kg and 60kg and over with a waist up to 135cm. This model is Australian Standards 1512 certified. This model can be used in any state in Australia.
Sorry to be a pain guys but the bum bags are not enough. You actually need to wear the things for obvious reasons. Refer to race rules:http://online.oceanseries.com.au/pages/oceanseries-events/event-rules.php
"The minimum requirement is a PFD type three and must comply by Australian and Overseas standards."
A few crew had bum bags and some actually did not wear PFDs. I asked the organisers to overlook it due the race being held in the mild waters of Pittwater and the guys wearing leashes. But they will make you wear compliant PFDs in this race. There is about 8 km of sheer cliffs so you need to be self sufficient if you have any issues.
Cheers, Dave
BTW - guys, the go pros will be great!
Thanks Kissa,
The 'bumbag' is 'Certified to Australians standards AS 1512 (PFD type 1) this waist belt is only PFD 1 if it is worn'.
Wouldn't that make it acceptable ?
I found this chart that some of you might find interesting on the NSW Maritime website.
Leggie and suitable PFD for sure - I'm scared now let alone what I'll be like actually on the water come Saturday !
BTW Chris. If it is Type 1 when you wear it, I think it is fine - as long as it is self inflating and you don't have to blow it up.
Hey Dave, thanks for taking the time and following through on this to clarify the situation. I think the sensible solution being self inflating PFDs makes perfect sense.
I wasn't advocating no PFDs just the style (ie self inflating bum bags)
And thanks for the compliment, not that good a swimmer just a big bloke that floats well and has the ability to turn the arm over and over and over again for a VERY slow 6 kms whom now gets into SUP and just wants to paddle in the ocean
hope its a super day, weather looks perfect, wish I was out there but baby steps
Greg