AORS Race #8 Graeme Long Memorial Paddle VIC

It’s all systems go for the 2011 Graeme Long Memorial Paddle, with a stellar field of downwind stalwarts expected at the start line this Sunday.

Entered and raring to go is local favourite, Ivor Morgan, who has already displayed incredible form at this season’s Outlaw Crit races. But he’ll have a strong NSW contingent to contend with, with reigning champ, Dean Gardiner, and Byron Bay’s Kurt Tutt, throwing down the cross-border gauntlet.

Or maybe the pressure will come from further north; Queenslander, and inaugural Graeme Long winner, Adam McKane, is back in the fray, and eager to snatch back the title.

In the OC1 field, look out for Echuca’s Rod Clark and Elwood’s Jason Shepherd. No OC6 teams have entered as yet, but we’re ever hopeful – c’mon guys, what are you waiting for? This is going to be an awesome downwind event, with (fingers crossed) ideal conditions. As we write, the forecast is pointing to southwesterly winds at 25 knots, 1-2 metre swell and balmy temperatures in the high 20s. If you’re serious about downwind ocean racing, then the Graeme Long – Victoria’s only leg of the Australian Ocean Racing Series – is a must.

Rumour has it that Rohan Long, son of the eponymous Graeme, will be racing this year, so the event will have added poignancy. For those of you who don’t know Graeme’s inspirational story, read Rohan’s piece that follows.

In the meantime, if you’re toying with the idea of taking on this thrilling 25km challenge, pull your finger out, and put the Graeme Long at the top your 2011 New Year’s Resolution list.

Bells Beach you will be paddling right past this break.

Ocean ski transport and car pool:

Outlaw Paddling will have two large trailers leaving Fisherman’s Beach at 11am. They will be available to transport all boats to the start at Urquhart’s Bluff. We will also be organising a car pool at this time. If you’re interested, please meet at Fisherman’s Beach at 10.45am – don’t be late!

Rohan Long: About my dad, Graeme

Dad’s passion for paddling began in 1963, when he became a co-founder of the Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club, in Breamlea. He devoted many years to this voluntary service, both on and off the beach.  In 1971, Graeme was awarded the John Wishart Memorial Medal (Surf Life Saving’s equivalent of the AFL Brownlow Medal) for his dedication to Surf Life Saving.  In 1977, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships were held at Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club, and Dad was appointed the Chief Organiser of this prestigious event.

Dad’s passion for paddling became apparent when (even with a wife and four children) he was introduced to kayak paddling – so much so, that he and his friend, Ron Whelan, trained for, and competed in, the 1986 Murray River Marathon, where they won the TKII 40+ division. But Dada and Ron didn’t stop there – they then went on (in the same year) to compete in the Australian Kayak Championships, again winning the TKII 40+ division.

Over the next few years, Dad would devote his time to volunteering with the Surf Life Saving movement, and continuing to compete in various kayak and Surf Life Saving events across the country, including the 1994 World Masters Games.

Dad devoted his time to his family, and his health and fitness, with paddling being at the forefront of this. He often used to say how he would like to paddle around Phillip Island – unfortunately he never achieved this, but he did fulfil a dream of paddling across the rip at Queenscliff, not just once but several times! Dad, as he was known to me, and Longy, as he was known to many, loved paddling on rivers, creeks and lakes, but most of all, on the ocean, chasing the runners to enjoy the rides of his life.

Tragically, on 17 October 1998, Dad disappeared while joining some junior paddlers from Torquay SLSC on a paddle back from Point Addis to Torquay (part of the very same course on which the Graeme Long Memorial Paddle will be held in 2011). A very strong wind change hit, making search and rescue operations virtually impossible. Eventually Dad’s paddle washed ashore some 50 kilometres east at Cape Schanck, and his ski was located a further 50 kilometres east off Phillip Island. He was never found.

One of the very few consolations was that Dad died pursuing his lifelong passion – paddling, surf life saving, and helping young enthusiasts in these pursuits.

Dad was a truly great family man, ocean man and a great friend.

His death is a reminder to us all that, while we are very fortunate to have such an incredible pastime such as ocean and downwind paddling, we must always be respectful of the ocean and mindful of who is the boss. The Graeme Long Memorial Race is a chance for us to celebrate both the life and legacy of a great ocean paddler, and our love of ocean paddling and its community.

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