Yes, everyone can compete in the National Championships
Mooloolaba hosts one of the best downwind ocean runs in the country
Are you ready?
Then welcome to the 2023 National Championships!
Beautiful Mooloolaba in sunny Queensland will play host to this years National Championships. Paddlers will compete on a 15km course which is regarded as one of the best downwind runs in Australia.
Come and join for a 3 day festival of paddling, where each day you compete on the 15km course. Your result in the qualifying rounds determines whether you compete in Grand Final A, B or C on Day 3 "Finals Day".
Your NSW Surf Ski Championships ranking points does not count in National Championships. Nationals is its own event and everyone starts off scratch on Day Qualifier.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in attendance.
The 15km course from Moffatts Beach to Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba is held on Friday Nov 10th - Sunday 12th. The course will be reversed if winds from the North direction.
We hope everyone has a great weekend both on and off the water.
15km Course Map:
S/SE/SW wind up to 20 knots course direction is Moffats Beach to Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba (swell pending)
E or W wind up to 15 knots course direction is Moffats Beach to Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba (swell pending).
N/NE/NW wind up to 20 knots course direction is Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba to Moffats Beach (swell pending)
Event programme: NSW Surf Ski Championships NSWSSC
Thursday, 9th November
1159 NSWSSC Registration closes
Friday, 10th November
1030 NSWSSC Ocean conditions inspection
1600 NSWSSC briefing posted and sent to all competitors
1630 NSWSSC entries listed online
Saturday, 11th November
0630 Course Start and Finish Event Crews arrive
0830 Water Safety on the water
0850 Competitor Check in Closes
0900 NSWSSC Race Start – Ocean Skis and Spec Skis
1000 onwards NSWSSC Course finished
1130 Event Crew clean up and leave site (TBC)
Sunday, 12th November
0630 Course Start and Finish Event Crews arrive
0830 Water Safety on the water
0850 Competitor Check in Closes
0900 NSWSSC Race Start – Ocean Skis and Spec Skis
1000 onwards NSWSSC Course finished
1100 Event Crew clean up and leave site (TBC)
1130 NSWSSC Presentations (Station Beach, Palm Beach)
Registration and Safety Equipment Inspections:
Registrations and mandatory Safety equipment (PFD) inspections will be held at the start line of each race event, 30 mins prior to the race start.
Once inspection of your mandatory equipment has been completed your race number provided will be written on your left hand.
By entering the NSWSSC you agree to the following:
- You understand the risks associated with Ocean Racing and acknowledge your responsibilities to help a distressed paddler
- You will comply with the mandatory safety equipment rules of:
Lifejacket
- All competitors must wear an approved Australian Standard AS 4758 or International Standard ISO 12402 Lifejacket.
- All surf ski paddlers must wear an approved minimum Level 50 / Level 50S Lifejacket. Your lifejacket must be Hi-Vis or a Hi-Vis top is to be worn over the top of the lifejacket. No bum bag inflatable lifejackets are permitted.
Safety Leash
• All competitors must be attached to their craft via a safety leash.
Hi-Vis Clothing
• All competitors must wear a piece of Hi-Vis clothing.
• This can be a Hi-Vis lifejacket or Hi-Vis top worn over your lifejacket.
Mobile Phone using SafeTrx Tracking App or VHF Radio
• All competitors are required to have either a mobile phone with the SafeTrx tracking app OR a VHF Radio and a distress beacon (EPIRB or PLB) with them during the race. If using a mobile phone the SafeTrx
• Event tracking app is compulsory to be used.
• If you prefer to carry a VHF Radio a distress beacon (EPIRB or PLB) must also be carried.
- In the event of an emergency, a competitor’s location can be tracked either by the SafeTrx app or a distress beacon.
- The event channel will be given to those using VHF Marine Radios.
Whistle
• All competitors are required to have a pealess whistle attached to their Lifejacket.
Hydration
• It is also recommended that a minimum of 1L of water is to be carried during the race, and sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen.
- We strongly recommends that competitors are hydrated before, during and after the race.
- Competitors should be Sun Safe, including wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
Starting the race
All competitors must be in the water (knee height deep) standing next to their surf ski.
Two (2) minutes prior, the Race Director will align all boats ready for the start.
Once all boats are aligned the Race Director will start the race with a shot from a gun or shouting the word “GO”.
A start flag may be used if the conditions do not allow for an audible signal.
Finishing the race
The finish line will be on either Station Beach, Palm Beach or Mona Vale Basin (depending on the wind direction) between two NSWSSC flags.
Please make sure you advise the race finishers of your race number through the finish line transition area, if you fail to advise the race finisher of your number you will be disqualified.
Evacuation Points
Course safety vessels will be with you on the course for the duration of the race.
If you need assistance during the race, raise your paddle above your head so a safety vessel or other paddlers can see you until help arrives.
In case of an emergency on land or water the patient will be transported to the closest Surf Life Saving Club Carpark Emergency Areas.
Water Evacuation Points will be the closest beach access point. When on course if Life Support is needed Volunteer Marine Rescue will be the first responders to enable First Aid, DFIB and fast boat access to an Emergency Medical Access point.
Award Presentations
The NSWSSC presentations will be held Sunday 12th November evening at the Mooloolaba SLSC. Celebration drinks and live band will continue throughout the night for paddlers to enjoy their weekend of success.
Competition rules
The NSWSSC are conducted under the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Rules - Current Version dated 1 January 2019. It is the responsibility of the competitor to be familiar with these rules.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank this year’s volunteers who have generously donated their time and resources to ensure the NSW Surf Ski Championships are a great success.
Yours in paddling,
Luke Horder
Race Director