After a huge week of downwind conditions in WA paddlers were looking for follow up on the East Coast with The Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches. Initially the forecast was looking like WA style winds,but as the day drew near the winds diminished and the smoke set in.

 

By Thursday things were not looking good as Sydney was shrouded in an orange/brown blanket and  there was little movement in the air.

 

The organizing crew held firm in their belief that decent race conditions would prevail and prevail they did.

 

By race day a light ENE Wind had settled in, the smoke was gone and the wind was turning to the North and getting stronger.

 

Start time saw clearer skies and there was movement on the ocean. Not as big as WA but good enough to stage the countries oldest running open water surf ski race.

 

You would have thought that the lighter conditions would see new paddlers atop the dais. This was not to be as the winners from two weeks before once again set the pace and won again. Well done to all that competed and especially well done to an unbelievable team of passionate men and women who form the organizing committee.

 

To top off the last race of the year in the National Series we also saw our World Champions crowned in the inaugural World Surf Ski League.

 

Only a couple of races to go to decide the National Ocean Paddling Champions (in the AORS) for 19/20. Some of these are already in place but some will come down to a solid result in the Bridge to Beach and Great Ocean Paddle.