Byron Bay launches ocean racing series
BYRON BAY WILL PLAY host to the first event on the Australian Ocean Racing Series (AORS) calendar. The series kicks off on July 17-18, 2010.
The two-day event will feature the cream of Australia’s aquatic sports crop, along with a host of others trying to make their mark in one of the country’s most exotic ocean playgrounds.
Along with the 12km Classic Race on Saturday there will be a second race for the weekend on Sunday July 18th, a downwind event, from either Lennox Head to Main Beach, Byron Bay (if a southerly wind blows), or from Brunswick Heads to Main Beach (if the northerly blows).
Open to ocean skis, specs and SUPs (stand up paddleboards), Sunday’s race will be a great way for ocean racing enthusiasts to take on some new coastline with the Byron Bay backdrop providing a fitting setting for an awesome race.
The Byron Bay Ocean Paddle is the first of 12 events in the AORS, which culminates in January, 2011 with The Doctor in Western Australia.
Nine-times world ocean paddling champ, Dean Gardiner is behind the series. “The beauty of the series is that you get the very best from kayaking, outrigger paddling, and surfing and SLSA events all on the same line – Olympic champions, ironmen, top surfers, all taking on the challenge of the ocean. Gardiner says. “These events are really the only races that allow newcomers to the different ocean paddling disciplines; to line up on the same line as the very best, you don’t see that in other sports.”
All the races in the series will be downwind events, therefore not only catering for the fit but the very skilful. The events are designed to take in the natural beauty of each location making for exciting racing and a truly inspiring experience.
Details
The events are open to anyone who wants to experience the exhilaration of open water racing.
If starting from Lennox, the event will be about 20 km long. If starting at Brunswick Heads, it will be 18km long. Saturday’s race starts at 2:00 pm at The Wreck in Byron Bay and Sunday’s race will start at 1:00pm.
Race registration will be open at Byron Bay Surf Club from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday and 10:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday (Saturday, late registration is $50).
Registration for the Sunday event will also take place at Byron Bay Surf Club on Sunday morning from 10:00am to 11:00am. Tansportation for some skis and competitors to the downwind starting point will be arranged. Check with race organisers for details.
The starting point for Sunday’s event will be annouced closer to the weekend once forecasts have been taken into account. Maps will available for drivers to make to help make their way to the race start.
Oceanpaddler will be transporting craft to Byron Bay and all other eastern state AORS events. Contact us to reserve a spot at [email protected]
For more information on the AORS and its events and locations please visit www.oceanpaddler.com
