12 TOWERS OCEAN PADDLE FESTIVAL 2014

With this being it’s third year in succession, the 12 Towers Ocean SUP Race has carved out an iconic figure of being one of the premier races in Australia. With the 2014 event set for February 8 & 9, the Gold Coast is certainly ready to turn on the glitter in the heat of summer.

The 14km Open Ocean Race from world famous Kirra Point to picturesque Burleigh Heads is proving to be a battle ground for the best in the business. Passing by 12 Lifeguard Beach Surveillance Towers (Hence establishing the race name) competitors will round an inflatable “turning buoy” approximately 150 meters from the viewing platform/pipe in the centre of Burleigh Beach, and make their final dash for the dry sand finish line.

Superstar Travis Grant has been back to back victor over World Champion paddle athlete Jamie Mitchell in 2012 then edging out Australian SUP Champion Beau O’Brian by a few seconds in 2013. Not to be outdone by the guys, the ladies sure know how to make names for themselves. 2013 Molokai Champion Terrene Black triumphant in 2012 over World Champion and Australian Representative Angie Jackson leading to the current Australian Champion and multiple world champion athlete Karla Gilbert with line honours over Angie by seconds in 2013.

In 2014, the 12 Towers event has been transformed in to an Ocean Paddle Festival right in the heart of the Gold Coast’s Burleigh Heads. By adding the excitement and carnage of Technical Surf Racing of both SUP and Prone will certainly showcase a magnificent display of talent and stamina. And with five races scheduled to deliver breathtaking action, the supporters and competitors alike will witness nothing like this in Australia.

So we extend an invitation to all paddlers of both SUP and Prone to be part of Australian Paddle history in 2014.

For all information and registration go to www.12towers.com

Awesome Andy, will be great to have you guys down here!

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

Is the 12 towers ocean race locked in for the sat 8th and the BOP races the sun 9th ??
Is there a rough est of start time for the ocean race?

What Happens if it's a north wind is the course reversed finish at kirra instead?
Where's good to stay kirra or burleigh ?

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AndyR said..

Questions..
I see on the webpage it states you must have a PFD for the ocean race.
What is the best option to go with? Bumbag inflatable or over the shoulder inflatable? And can anyone recommend a brand? I've never used one paddling and only experience is with wakeboard vests.

Also board transport does the event have anything organized with trailers etc?

Hi Andy,
Yes mate, PFD's of some sort (PFD type 2, Bum Bag type, inflatable type) will be mandatory as this is the current safety rule directed under AuSUP and Surfing Australia guidelines. The bum bag type is the most popular and you can grab them from most camping stores.

I am working on transport for competitors through a local busline as we speak. The trailer side of things will be the hard one as we are anticpating over 100 competitors. I hope to confirm the transport option early next week.

Cheers

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Secret Agent said..

AndyR said..

Questions..
I see on the webpage it states you must have a PFD for the ocean race.
What is the best option to go with? Bumbag inflatable or over the shoulder inflatable? And can anyone recommend a brand? I've never used one paddling and only experience is with wakeboard vests.

Also board transport does the event have anything organized with trailers etc?

Hi Andy,
Yes mate, PFD's of some sort (PFD type 2, Bum Bag type, inflatable type) will be mandatory as this is the current safety rule directed under AuSUP and Surfing Australia guidelines. The bum bag type is the most popular and you can grab them from most camping stores.

I am working on transport for competitors through a local busline as we speak. The trailer side of things will be the hard one as we are anticpating over 100 competitors. I hope to confirm the transport option early next week.

Cheers

Thanks mate much apprecaited info.. keen to know more about the bus option as I may be heading down solo not having anyone to run my car to the end..

you are not one of these long board mission men are you?
I had a couple lads knock on my door today trying to convert me to their choosen faith... I'm a little worried once in the car of the great MAC by the time I get to the other end ill own a quiver of long boards.. I'm only 28 I'm not ready for that part of life yet

This Carnage you talk of is making me think I might need a couple ins and outs the arvo before to get a feel for it..
top offer if I come down solo I will be sure to let you know!

Looks like Starboard are the first group to have put together a team for the SUP Teams Relay. I'm not mentioning any names but it does look #$&% HOT!

This race is a big favourite in Californian BOP for bragging rights for the big brands. But over all, its fun and excitement out weighs the glam teams and boasting as everyone wants to be part of the thrill.

Check out www.12towers.com for all information on the event!

My Prediction,

1st Jake Jensen will smash it. Full time athlete training now, in fact i can't see anyone beating him the whole year the kid is flying.

the rest could be anyone.

Gonna be a great race again.

Thanks to Fanatic for sponsoring the event.

X Angie

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petedorries said..

If your in need of Downwinders leading up to this event its going to be on this arvo and all week long.

Professional lessons give me a PM

Quantum SUP Training group will be doing runs all week. Try your luck against [u]Beau or Karla[[/u]/i]

if i was fit, and strong, and highly skilled- me and tomy would give them a run for their money

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laceys lane said..

petedorries said..

If your in need of Downwinders leading up to this event its going to be on this arvo and all week long.

Professional lessons give me a PM

Quantum SUP # group will be doing runs all week. Try your luck against [u]Beau or Karla[[/u]/i]

if i was fit, and strong, and highly skilled- me and tomy would give them a run for their money

As i told you the other day Mark. Hating the bloke who just had a massive coronary and is out there training more then me LOL

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laceys lane said..

petedorries said..

If your in need of Downwinders leading up to this event its going to be on this arvo and all week long.

Professional lessons give me a PM

Quantum SUP Training group will be doing runs all week. Try your luck against [u]Beau or Karla[[/u]/i]

if i was fit, and strong, and highly skilled- me and MAC would give them a run for their money

Mac would go.

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angie pangi said..

hahaha clearly someone doesnt like Jake Jensen going by all my red thumbs lol

He is a bit of a tosser

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angie pangi said..

hahaha clearly someone doesnt like Jake Jensen going by all my red thumbs lol

Everyone likes Jake Jensen

My money's on Trev taking the win!

Can't wait for this one, Peasey puts on world class events!!!!!

Keen for the 12 towers race. It will be my first one. Anyone got any tips for a first timer?