Paddlers gear up for thrilling Mini G race from Yorkeys Knob to Ellis Beach
PADDLING EVENT
Douglas Shire is set to witness an adrenaline-fueled spectacle this Saturday 15 July as nearly 100 watercraft and 185 paddlers gear up for the highly anticipated downwind race from Yorkeys Knob to Ellis Beach.
The event marks the first of two consecutive weekends dedicated to water sports competitions.
The MINI G race provides a challenging route for novice paddlers and serves as a warm-up for the prestigious 45 kilometre Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge (GBROC) the following weekend on Saturday 22 July.
Regarded as one of Australia's longest iron ocean races, the GBROC attracts top-tier competitors seeking to test their endurance.
The events are hosted by the Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club in Cairns.
According to Hekili OCC president Ross Watson, Mini G has attracted a larger number of paddlers than the GBROC for the first time, confirming it as a premier, ocean paddling event in its own right.
“For paddlers coming from elsewhere it’s a tantalising combination – warm tropical waters and excellent downwind conditions set against our picturesque, far northern coastline,” Mr Watson said.
“This is the biggest line-up we’ve had on the start line since 2014 so it just shows how keen paddlers are to challenge themselves on arguably one of the toughest ocean race courses in Australia.”
Final stop for Aussie crews on road to Samoa
As Australian crews prepare for the World Marathon Titles in Samoa this August, the upcoming events serve as their final and crucial stop along the way, including many far north Queensland representatives.
Ski paddlers, including David Ahmed from Cairns and Alex Pawlow from Daintree, will dominate the scene.
Pawlow, who clinched gold in both Mini G and GBROC 2022, aims to defend his dual crown.
Furthermore, there are whispers of Olympic gold medalist and multiple world champion Clint Robinson joining the competition. Robinson is currently based in Port Douglas, where he is hosting his own paddling camp for the week.
The Mini G is scheduled to begin at 11.30 am, preceded by a safety briefing and fleet blessing at 10.30 am. The event will take place at the northern end of Sim's Esplanade, Yorkeys Knob.
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