Iconic 20 Beaches race to revive historic route for 2024 edition

Historic Course Revival for 20 Beaches

• Sydney's renowned 20 Beaches race is reinstating its original, longer Palm Beach to Manly course for its 30th anniversary in 2024, a key change proposed by Dean Gardiner.
• Organizer Justin Ryan noted the course hadn't truly covered "20 Beaches" recently. He's excited for the challenging, anniversary route, which includes a new relay option, reflecting a commitment to innovation.

A Legacy of Ocean Racing

• This decision highlights the race's rich legacy, established in 1990 by the Manly Warringah Kayak Club. It was Australia's first and longest surfski race, now its oldest. Dean Gardiner, inaugural winner and race director, recalled its early prominence and enduring success.
• Gardiner detailed the 25km course between Palm Beach and Manly, adaptable to conditions. A Long Reef buoy marks relay changes. He emphasized the route's "ocean race" character, keeping paddlers in runs longer and adding strategic elements, fulfilling the original vision of traversing the Northern Beaches.

Evolution and Community Focus

• Ryan recounted the race's journey: managed by Manly Warringah Kayak Club (23 years), then Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches (9 years), followed by a hiatus after 2015 until revived in 2018 by Ryan and a team. Celebrating 30 editions is key, acknowledging past champions like Dean Gardiner, Clint Robinson, Cory Hill, and Tim Jacobs, despite the race's demanding nature.
• The 2024 event will host the Australian Ocean Racing Series National Championships, offering a $10,000 club prize open to training groups. Ryan highlighted ongoing inclusivity efforts: equal prize money for women (since 2018), the Add-Style Cup for youth, and now the club championship, reinforcing its community-based, not-for-profit mission. "We can't wait," he concluded.

[go to the magazine: thepaddler]

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