I've been sitting on this one for a while so am happy to finally be able to get it out there. At the last AWA AGM Ian Fox tabled the possibility of running the next National Slalom Titles at Green Island in Cairns. There have been a few hurdles to overcome but it looks like the main one (clearance from the environmental authorities) has been overcome and that means I can now give you at least an outline of the event and the dates to set aside.
The issue with slalom has always been the fact that if it doesn't blow at an event it can be a total waste of everyone's time and you don't get a result. The idea with having the event at Green Island is that at that time of year when everywhere else is cold and windless, Green Island is warm and sunny with consistent 15 – 25 knot winds, which are totally conducive to Slalom sailing. Thus making it a perfect venue to hold an event and I am sure many people will mate the event in with a holiday to get out of the cold.
There will be a flyer out soon to let you know all of the finer details but so far I can tell you this. The event will have both Slalom and Freestyle formats to compete in and the dates are to be the 24th until the 29th of June 2013 and everyone who is a member of a state or state affiliated body is welcome to compete. There is a local Windsurfing outfit on the island with all the local knowledge and support so all in all it is looking like the “must do” event of the year.
Please spread the word and set aside some time so you are able to come along. From what I am hearing it is going to be a trip to remember.
Sounds like it would be a lot of fun, I haven't been to Green Island since I was 8yo, Would love to get up there visit old friends and rellies, unfortunately my partner is having our second child in early July, so I don't think I would get the go ahead.
Have a good time.
Great news Scot. Standing starts off the beach at low tide could get interesting though
Hey Firie, better start practicing those gybes
I should have been more clear in my initial post that this has been organised by the Ian Fox at the AWA not WQ just so I don't get the credit for his hard work.
Happy to spread the word because it is going to be a great event.
You mean I'd have to travel further than one kilometer to get there ???!!!
Hang on I might be taking the boat for a spin to the reef this winter. I wasnt going to go that far north but then again.
Awesome News! great poster also!
Does the 'free race gps' suggest some sort of big ocean blast/race to be held?
Bloody hell! Sounds great!
Keep us in the loop for any island or mainland deals for Accom etc, (if you need any Toursim Nth Qld contacts PM me,)
if you get a a kids club, and day spa for the Mrs , you will have created my perfect winter get away!!
Booked in! Will be a great event! Greeny is a awsome place to sail with good wind, clean warm water and even fun for the family.
That looks awesome Firebob. Thanks for the footage. The water over that reef looks about 5cm deep it is so clear. That will take a bit of getting used to.
That sound like a lot of fun but how much experience do i need. I've been sailboarding for years but never raced. I'd hate to get in the way. The free race sound like something id be keen on.
Hi Jas - Yes, primarily for insurance reasons ( 3rd party and Public liability etc -as well as event permit requirements for various Authorities governing event access to Great Barrier Reef etc) each participant for the Green Island Nats needs to be a current member of the AWA via their State Windsurfing Association or a properly affiliated sub Association.
Bunch of info on/around www.windsurfing.org/insurance.htm
and for 2012/13 the AWA affiliated Clubs are
- Bayside Sailboard Club (Qld)
- Brisbane Windsurfing Club (Qld)
- Dobroyd Aquatic Club (NSW)
- Geraldton Windsurfing Club (WA)
- Illawarra Yacht Club Ltd (NSW)
- Marmong Point Sailing Club (NSW)
- NSW Wavesailing Assoc (NSW)
- Queensland Freewave Association (Qld)
- Safety Bay Windsurfing Club (WA)
- St George Sailing Club (NSW)
- Stormriders Windsurfing Club (NSW)
- Windwanderers (Qld)
As the the young folk say, Bring it on!, cant wait ..The more the local crap conditions persist the better its looking !
When does on line reg open? Tickets are booked!
So who is going? not too far off now.
I have booked flight and accommodation and am looking quite forward to it, something different and from all reports, picture and video's looks like a top spot to sail.