The 2012 Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach that will take place this Sunday 18th March 2012.
We would like to thank Manly Council for their ongoing support of the Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach event. In additional a special thank you to all our sponsors including Manly Wharf, Bavarian Bier Café, BIC Sport Kayak, Australian Geographic Outdoor, Unleash Compression, Fenn Kayaks, Aqua Essence, GU, UB Wear and Kani Paddling Gear. The Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach is a Paddle NSW and Paddling Australia approved event.
Weather forecast
There is a strong southerly wind predicted for the event this Sunday. This will mean the area between Middle Head and Dobroyd Head will have quite rough conditions. Please make sure you have the required safety gear and for sea kayaks a spray deck and pump is highly recommended.
It is important you attend the pre-race briefing held prior to the start as there may be some changes to the course due to these conditions.
The course
It is important that all competitors follow the race course. There are only 2 buoys on the course and all competitors must keep these to their right.
The first turning buoy is a flat white disc shape buoy approximately 1.5 meters wide. This is in Athol Bay immediately offshore from Taronga Zoo.
The second buoy is a black and yellow buoy over one meter high East of Dobroyd Head.
By going to these buoys you will stay clear of the ferry channels.
Competitors must keep well clear of the channel from Bradleys Head to Middle Head. This means keeping all Green Channel markers in this area on your right hand side.
Beware that there will be an outgoing tide for the event. This will mean that once passed Middle Head the water will be moving directly out through the heads.
Pull outs
If you have to pull out of the event after the start or are withdrawn from the event you will be put ashore at the closest accessible beach. We will take your number and timing ID and relay it back to the finish. This information will be announced over the PA. Please make your handlers are aware of this.
Safety Equipment Requirement
PFDs/Lifejackets: Competitors are required to wear Type 2/3 Australian Standard PFD/Lifejackets for safety reasons. Prone Paddleboard competitors are except from wearing a PFD.
Leashes: Leashes are required by competitors to help maintain contact with their craft, which can be prove particularly difficult during high winds, or if someone should fall from their craft. The leash can be anything, as long as it keeps the competitor in contact with their craft. For example a Safety Leg Leash used commonly in skis.
Event Times
- 6.00am Registration opens at Blues Point Park, North Sydney. All competitors must sign off their name and collect their timing chip at registration prior to the start of race.
- 7.40am Registration closes
- 7.40am Race Briefing . Entrants make their way to the start line.
- 8.00am Event start (Approximate time only. Time may be slightly altered due to Maritime NSW shipping schedule)
- 8.45am Expected first finishers at the western side of Manly Wharf
- 11.00am Presentations for all categories at the Bavarian Bier Cafe
Presentations at Bavarian Bier Café
The Bavarian Bier Café will be hosting the Bridge to Beach awards presentation on its outdoor deck at the end of the event. The friendly team at Bavarian Bier Café Manly Wharf will be serving up a hearty breakfast special for all family and friends, plus a post-event lunch special for participants and their family and friends who want to sit back and relax with their supporters after a hard morning’s work. All competitors will receive a free drink voucher which can be collected at the completion of the race.
Ski collection area
• Manly Council have allocated a special craft collection area between Eustace St and West Promenade where vehicles can layover for up to 5 minutes to load craft after the event.
• To avoid congestion on East Esplanade do not ‘double-park’ or leave your car unattended. You run the real risk of being booked by Council Rangers. Please use the area in Gilbert Street (off Eustace Street) and other designated parking areas throughout Manly.
Aqua Essence Spring Water – please recycle
All competitors will receive an Aqua Essence Australian Organic Spring Water when they cross the finish line. The Enviro Smart Soft Pack is 100% recyclable so please ensure you use the yellow recycle bins provided.
BIC Sport Kayak and Unleash Compression display stands
Be sure to check out our sponsor display stands at the end of the race at Manly Wharf. Unleash Compression will be offering special discounts on the day.
Good luck to all competitors in the race.
