Fenn Cup Race 1

The summer racing program begins this weekend in Sydney with round 1 of theFenn Cup Series. After a long winter for the NSW paddling fraternity Fenn Cup 1 heralds the beginning of a new summer and some new talent making their mark on the distance scene. TheSmartline Fenn Cup Series is a downwind ocean paddling series incorporating the four major disciplines of ocean sports. Surf ski, paddleboards, outrigger canoes and SUPs will come together over one race. The cream of Australian ocean athletes are expected to take part in the three event series.

All events will run between Long Reef and Palm Beach and are totally dependant on wind direction as to where they will start. Race 1 is looking good as a 10-15 knot southerly wind on top of a 1.5 meter southerly swell should make for some nice runs for all the craft.

For the first year the Finn Kayaks Coastal Dash to allow intermediate surf ski paddlers to race alongside the paddleboards and SUPs over a reduced length on the same course as the main race.All starts will either be at sea or in protected water catering for all comers and allowing for a fair start for the elite competitors. Water safety will once again be under the management of Long Reef SLSC and their expert group of safety professionals.

Once again the ASN (Australian Sports Nutrition) Hotspot will be in place for the fast starters. Five hundred dollars is up for grabs with the buoy to be placed within the first 500 meters of the start. Like last years the series organizers will be giving away mountain of prizes along with a huge cash purse distributed across a variety of categories.

All registrations for both the Fenn Cup and Finn Kayaks Coastal Dash will take place a Long Reef SLSC from 10am.

“What is great about the events is the amount of internal sponsorship support we have received for the series. Sam Parker competed in the SUPs last year now his company Wind Surf n Snow are the major cash sponsor behind the SUP category.Signature Shutters & Blinds owner Brad Gaul has put money in the paddleboard category after also competing and sponsoring last year. Hayden Folbig from Smartline has thrown some pretty decent money at the whole series which ahs enabled us to take the events to the next level.” said Gardiner.