Open Water Paddling
May has been a big month at Open Water Paddling. The PNSW Open Water Committee ran two events during May and prepared for another two to follow in June.
Early May saw the “Seacliff Challenge” – final race of the Ocean Series season and the “Doll’s Point Classic” – Race 4 of the Harbour Series. We have race reports for these events on the PaddleNSW event page (hit the event on the calendar), both of which were run under perfectly clear autumn warm skies and calm conditions.
These events really are working well in improving paddlers skills and abilities. Over recent years we have seen many paddlers start with the Short Course races of the Harbour Series events, typically 8–10km then graduate to the Long Courses of around 16-18km. From there, with a bit more experience and ability, paddlers often graduate to Ocean Series paddling where they can work up to the Long Course Ocean Races of approx 18km, having conquered the Short Course Ocean Races – where it is possible to run them. Paddling in deep blue water, learning ocean wave patterns and skills and seeing sea life are all very rewarding. There are many training and paddling groups in and around Sydney Harbour, the Northern beaches, the South Coast and further afield along our coastline. The Paddle NSW OWC events are always safe, always fun, always well attended and very social before and afterwards. The racing however is often extremely serious with side bets made and nothing left on the water after huge efforts. Many paddlers take these events very seriously and compete for the series medals. Some just take part every now and then for fun. There are many divisions so you will always find one suited for you and your craft. We urge all paddlers to come along and experience Open Water paddling for a bit of variety – you will always be made to feel very welcome.
The Open Water committee remain very grateful for support from our Series and Event Sponsors, without whose generous support these vents could not be run. Please support our sponsors when purchasing paddling gear and see their latest boats, products and news at:
The final event of the 6 race series will again be the “Spit to the Zoo” Race, hosted by and run from Middle Harbour Yacht Club. With the entire series very well attended and some great racing in varied conditions, the series point scores remain wide open, with some divisions expected to come down to the wire on 8th July in Middle Harbour.
The PNSW Open Water Committee and Surfski Australia is seeking volunteers to assist in organising and managing the running of the Harbour Series and Ocean Series events for the 2017/18 seasons. If you have some ideas, feel you can assist or wish to contribute, please contact us contact@surfskiaustralia.com
Please stay up to date with event information via www.surfskiaustralia.com and at Surfski Australia on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/