Oceanpaddler unveils new national ocean paddling championship

New National Championship Launched

Dean Gardiner, director of the Australian Ocean Racing Series, believes a new stand-alone national championship will energize the domestic racing scene and boost interest in downwind competition. The initiative was announced today, with the Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches race designated as the inaugural 'Australian Championships of Ocean Paddling', organized by Gardiner and Oceanpaddler.

Partnership with Paddle Australia Ends

This strategic shift follows the recent termination of a partnership between AORS and Paddle Australia. Less than a year ago, AORS had agreed to serve as Paddle Australia’s national championships and the basis for team selection, but the relationship has since deteriorated, leading to the split.

Gardiner's Rationale

Gardiner explained, "Many AORS participants prefer a national title decided over a series, but some athletes also enjoy training for one major race. We've chosen the Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches as that pivotal event for this season." This development significantly elevates the 2024 Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches, marking its 30th anniversary. Several prominent athletes, including Olympic kayakers and elite surf ironmen and ironwomen sponsored by Shaw and Partners and Race One, have expressed keen interest in competing.

World Series of Ocean Paddling Unveiled

Oceanpaddler also revealed that the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in Perth will now host the 'World Series of Ocean Paddling'. This is the initial phase of a long-term vision by Gardiner. While the 2024 series is limited to WA Race Week, global expansion is planned for 2025. The last World Series was in 2019 by the World Surf Ski League.

[go to the magazine: thepaddler]

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