Due to strong predicted offshore winds the Sydney International Paddleboard Classic designed an interesting course beginning in the upper reaches of Narrabeen Lake, heading out through North Narrabeen's infamous "Alley" and then along the beach to Long Reef. Mick Porra and Dean Gardner did a magnificent job in getting this race underway as their previous attempt was thwarted by strong gail force and dangerous sea conditions. Thanks Mick and Deano for a great event. It was interesting sitting out a race and watching the crew for a change.
Jacy and James doing it tandem. Someone left their board on the trailer and they were forced to paddle to the start.
Adam Bennett from Fanatic explaining the weedbanks and shallows of the lake to Jake. Wrong guy to listen to Jake.
...and they're off and racing.
Tammy Montgommery and Lucy Kelly. 1st and 2nd in the ladies respectively.
Dave Coward
Jake Jensen, Grant Hardiman and James Casey closely being followed - 3km from the start.
Dave Clark
Dave Coward -years of competitive ski paddling has proved a bonus with a very quick changeover to the elite SUP ranks.
Sam Parker entering the surf
Scott Hardiman
Lee Johnson - another ex ski paddler.
Mark Rennie
Dave Clark - a very popular paddler on the lake who has just begun paddling on the ocean is wondering if the stories he has heard about the surfers at North Narra are true. A big effort Dave.
About here I'm hassling Jacy and telling him the Northy Boys are waiting for him. He's yelling back that he's going to paddle straight through the line up. I continued to take photos only to turn around to see him ride a wave all the way to the beach. He then turned around and continued back down the race route. Anything to stir OME hey Jacy.
