12 Towers Ocean Paddle Festival 2015

With now its fourth 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 2015 event set for February 21 & 22, 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 and World Champion Titouan Puyo will be back to defend his 2014 title and show us why he is considered the one of the best paddlers on the planet. He along with multiple world champions of Travis Grant and Jake Jensen will be battling for supremacy against the big Aussies of Cracknell, O’Brian, Margetts, Jackson to name a few. Not to be outdone by the guys, the ladies sure know how to make names for themselves. Can Karla Gilbert do a “three-peat” in 2015 or can two of her biggest rivals of Angie Jackson and Terrene Black put an end to her rein. To add to the mix of Sondra Purser and an international female contingency making their way Down Under in February.
This year will see the added "Short Course" paddle from Currumbin to Burleigh. Approximately 5kms of Ocean Paddling for those who aren't that confident to complete the long course traditional race of Kirra Point to Burleigh Heads.
And now with the inclusion of Ocean Skis and Prone Paddle Boards in the long course race, the Gold Coast will get to experience all exciting facets of paddle sports!
Massive thank you to our supporting sponsors of Hammer Nutrition (www.hammernutrition.com.au) KeNalu Australia (www.kenalu.com.au) DEEP Ocean Boards (deepoceanboards.com) Camelbak (camelbak.com) AuSUP and Surfing QLD.
For all information and scheduling check out www.12towers.com
Online entries, click www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=15145

Well you're on fire Raz! You Sunny Coasters are going to swarm in big numbers......and will certainly see you guys choking the podium in many classes!

Yeewwwww pumped for this one.

Hey Andy,
Yes m8, any type will be accepted!

So i'm just putting it out there. Over the past few years, the depth of competitive talent runs deep in the 12 Towers Race. Pretty much in all ages categories and classes there have been some incredible battles, not only up front with the usual suspects but spread evenly over the entire field.
One of the most competitive age groups have been the 40yrs to 55yrs guys. This 15 year group captured 29 participants last year and will be hotly contested again this year.
But there is talk around town who will be the Elite Champions! I do know it is not always about the elite but when you see these guys and girl paddle, you understand why they are world class.......entertaining and certainly taking lessons from them.
So, i have my thoughts on my podium finishers.............in no particular order:
Titouan Puyo (Can he defend his title), Beau O'Brian (Huge 2014), Michael Booth (Olympic Kayak prospect)........My TOP 3......but looking at the list of World Class Aussies and i can see these guys taking it out too. Jake Jensen (Podium finisher World Tour), Travis Grant (Worlds Best), Lincoln Dews (Can do everything and anything), Jacko (Big finish to 2014), Kelly Margetts (Freak and can drink Beer), Toby Cracknell (Aussie Champ).........these guys could all win the race and there's not forget guys like Jayden Jensen or Benny Tardrew. My dark horse is Sunny Coaster Matt Nottage. New Starby team rider and gave the KOTC a big nudge last year.
Then the girls, well throw a blanket over the 3 of them and see which ones comes out first. Looking at my top 3 elite are all World Champions. Can Karla Gilbert go a threepeat in 2015 or can past 12 T and Molokai Champion Terrene Black take out the gong. The there is Angie Jackson who is a multiple world champion and also been tipped as the favourite.
I don't know.......probably have confused myself.......who is on your list!

Yep good choice Teatree........Sondra definitely will be in the mix and could even take it out.
Just thinking that Trevor Tunnington could be a real threat in the Elite guys too.

Just between you and me, Little Matty Nottage is training the house down and undoubtedly will be in the pro's pockets come the finish line..
My smoky will be super grom Trevor Tunnington, he also could push the pro's all the way..

Don't forget all the battle royale's in the Open 14' class and the 40's, 50's have some doozy finishes....
Remember, just because the pro's are "pro's" doesn't mean all the other crew haven't trained super hard and will push their body's just as much!

Hi Supsurfer,
Yes i do agree that the future of the sport is juniors. I do see plenty of juniors racing and training which is wonderful for the growth of SUP.
The 12 Towers has had each year a category for juniors in which has never been entered in. And as much as we would still love to cater for every age category, we have had to cut categories simply because of nil participation. It is unfortunate but cost of running events certainly hinges on participation on the offered categories.
This year has seen 5 age category cuts although those participants do slide into a broader classification.
I am all ears and welcome feedback to make the event better for the participant.
cheers

Did you fudge that start Jones Boy!!!
Great Vid mate......hoping conditions like that Saturday week!

What's peoples thoughts on the weather. What's it going to do?
Seabreeze long range predictions is completely different to say willyweathers.. I hope I can make the DW all depends on what day organisers run with as work calls Sunday.

I cant find the classes or ages groups for the race anywhere

www.12towers.com/event-information/divisions/
here u go Lacey