This is going to be massive
Two of Australia's best ever surf and paddle champions, Mike Porra and Dean Gardiner, have teamed up to put on the richest paddleboard event ever held in Sydney.
It has been an epic season of downwind races for the local crew and this will round it out nicely. There is plenty of prizemoney on offer to entice the big guns from over border to have a crack at the local hotties too.
Both these guys are awesome when it comes to running events (think The Doctor, Nitro Circus etc), so expect it to be a fun day and good value for your entry fee - with maybe a few surprises. Can't wait
This event sounds great Kissa. We've been lucky with our first downwind series which went really well. This slightly longer race will be perfect for all of you who paddled a couple of races during the summer. I agree with Kissa, both of these guys know how to stage a great event so let's all get along and support it. No house painting for me this race day.
Should be mentioned that there's also a 7 km short course being run making the event perfect for less experienced paddlers also.
Get your entries in as it's going to be epic.
Yep, should be a professionally run event, some good prizemoney too. Do checkout the website for further info and updates.
Highlights Video will be online a few days after the event. http://sydneyinternationalpaddleboard.com
Pretty much anyone who doesn't feel up to 15 km should do the 7 km course.
You'd be up for the 15 though wouldn't you Dave?
Sam, depends if I can fit the outrigger trainer skis and there's a 35 knot tail wind!
So probably the 7kms will be more fun.
UPDATE:
The race presentation and after party will be held at Collaroy Surf club, commencing around 5.30pm.
1 HOUR FREE ALCOHOL FOR ALL COMPETITORS
If forecast conditions stay as they are, there may be an alternate course rather than a downwinder which may involve makaha and white rock just to mix things up a little. Dean and Mick will make the final decision soon.
Will post as soon as I hear. Whatever happens, will be fun - especially with the swell predicted
Amazing how different websites have completely different forecasts. I've always found Windguru has always been more accurate in the past,
But I'm guessing the cyclone up north Qld could be causing instability.
Well the Seabreeze forecast for Saturday is now looking beyond epic & looks like you guys could be in for an awesome day - as long as there's somewhere with enough shelter from the 4m swell to get on & off the beach?
Update from Deano:
SIPC UPDATE 130 PM Friday 11th.
We will make a final call tomorrow at 10am on the course. Options at this point are still an out and back or if conditions are on, we will move into Pittwater for a run from Bayview to Palmy. Stay tuned.
It could be EPIC.
Update from Braden Porra (via Facebook)
EVENT POSTPONED
Unfortunately due to BOM issuing gale force wind warnings for Sydney coastal and closed waters all insurances and approvals are void.
Therefore we have no choice but to postpone the race until a later date.
We are very sorry for everyone who has travelled for the race, or made arrangements!
All racers who have entered but can't make the new date (to be announced) will be refunded.
Sorry again about this but unfortunately our hand has been forced.
We are still paddling...
...as there are many who have come to town and conditions are perfect for a Pittwater Downwinder, there will plenty of crew doing a social run at 2PM.
If you're keen to join us we will be leaving the Bayview Boatramp next to the tennis courts (King Edward Avenue) at 2. Organise your car admin yourself if you can. Leave your car at the Iluka avenue Boat Ramp. It is not a long run so try to org a second run if you can.
Waterways will be out there so I suggest you wear PFDs and you would be mad not to have a leash.
Dave another big crew planning on a first run around 12 meeting at Bayview. Trailers look like being full
It least you guys got to paddle, I had to play tourist for the day. But worth coming down just to grab a pie at the "Best Pie Shoppe" near Long Reef turn off.
Unfortunately the brown SeaBreeze arrows didn't eventuate so a group of 30-40 set off from Bayview to Palmie. The wind was strong enough to create some bumps and we all still managed to have a good paddle. A couple of the girls took photos from the wharf at the finish so hopefully we'll see some photos soon.
Sam Parker at WindSurfnSnow is always generous in supplying his purpose built trailer for down winders.
I can't remember what Dale Chapman said but it cracked Beau up. From the look on my face DC just farted.