2023 Results
2024 Results
Our mission is to INSPIRE, EMPOWER & ENGAGE paddlers to come together and compete in the sport they love. By creating a supportive and encouraging environment we aim to provide a race series where people feel safe to do an ocean event or to enter into their first ever surf ski ocean event.
Leading into race 2 of the series with the Palm Beach Playoffs. Paddlers will enjoy the 13km short course ocean event from Mona Vale Basin to Palm Beach or the 20km long course from Long Reef to Palm Beach. Sydney’s Northern Beaches is already a hotspot for Surf Ski paddlers and finishing at the iconic Palm Beach is a perfect setting. We would like to respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather, the Gayamaygal and Garigal People and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in attendance.
Saturday 6th April, 2024 @ 1:30pm is the 13km short course and 20km long course. The course will reverse if necessary depending on the wind direction. If severe swell occurs an alternative course from Palm Beach around Lion Island and back will be employed and if severe winds occur an alternative course from Bayview to Palm Beach inside Pittwater will be employed.
Your result from the weekend will count towards your overall NSW Surf Ski Championship ranking. Our NSW Surf Ski Championships point scoring formula makes people feel competitive at every event, regardless of their age and gender. The NSW Surf Ski Championships rankings table allows you to see how you rank against your fellow peers in your age group and gender.
Podium place winners will receive cool Salty Cheeks prizes from our good friends @ https://saltycheeks.com.au/ and Tango Charlie Lights https://tangocharlielights.com.au/
The male and female race winner of the 13KM course will receive cool Salty Cheeks prizes from our good friends @ https://saltycheeks.com.au/ and Tango Charlie Lights https://tangocharlielights.com.au/
All the paddlers’ names will be placed in a hat and the lucky ‘door’ prizes include a chance to win a Bennett Carbon Paddle (valued $800) will be gifted out from Greg Bennett.
The big prize for the NSW Surf Ski Championships series is a chance to win a brand-new Ultra EPIC Surf Ski (valued $5250) or a ALLWAVE Corso Layup surf ski (valued $5250). All paddlers’ names will be placed in a hat and two names from this event will be drawn, for entry into the big prize draw on 7th December.
After the 5th and final race event The Mosman Marathon on Saturday, December 7th, the names drawn across the 5 race series will be placed into a hat and the two surf skis will be gifted out to two lucky winners.
A big thank you to our amazing sponsors EPIC KAYAKS Australia https://www.epickayaks.com.au/ and ALLWAVE Australia https://www.allwaveaustralia.com.au/ for these generous prizes.
Remember, you have to be at the presentation if your name is drawn for any of the lucky door prizes.
We hope everyone has a great weekend both on and off the water.
13km Course Map:
S/SE/SW wind up to 18 knots course direction is Mona Vale Basin to Palm Beach (swell pending)
E or W wind up to 14 knots course direction is Mona Vale Basin to Palm Beach (swell pending).
The race start is a deep water start out past the surf break of Mona Vale Basin. Competitors have 15mins time period to get themselves out to the start line marked by one of our patrol vessels.
13km Course Reversed
N/NE/NW wind up to 18 knots course direction is Avalon beach to Long Reef (swell pending)
The race start is a deep water start out past the surf break of Avalon Beach. Competitors have 15mins time period to get themselves out to the start line marked by one of our patrol vessels.
20km Long Course Map:
S/SE/SW wind up to 18 knots course direction is Long Reef to Palm Beach (swell pending)
E or W wind up to 14 knots course direction is Long Reef to Palm Beach (swell pending).
Race start is a standing beach start off Fishermans Beach, Long Reef.
20km Course Reversed
N/NE/NW wind up to 18 knots course direction is Palm Beach to Long Reef (swell pending)
Race start is a standing beach start off Station Beach, Palm Beach.
Alternative Course:
If swell is too big at Mona Vale Basin beach for the 13km short course the Alternative course of Lion Island will be used. Short course (14km) will be 2 laps.
Race start is a standing beach start off Station Beach, Palm Beach.
Alternative Course:
Winds over 18 knots from the S/SE/SW/N/NE/NW direction, winds from the East/West direction over 14 knots or large dangerous swell, then the alternative course from Bayview to Palm Beach (9.5km inside Pittwater) will be employed.
Race start is a water start out the front of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport.
Event programme: NSW Surf Ski Championships NSWSSC
Thursday, 4th April
1159 NSWSSC Registration closes
Friday, 5th April
1030 NSWSSC Ocean conditions inspection
1600 NSWSSC briefing/start line emailed to all competitors
1630 NSWSSC entries listed online
Saturday, 6th April
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1030 |
Competitor Check in opens (Long Course Start Location) either Palm Beach (Station Beach) or (Long Reef, Fishermans Beach (boatramp) |
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1200 |
Check in closes |
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1215 |
Race Briefing at (Long Course Start Location) either Palm Beach (Station Beach) or (Long Reef, Fishermans Beach (boatramp) |
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|
Participants of the 13km course to make their own way to the [TBC] start line once the briefing has concluded. The start line could be either Avalon Beach or Mona Vale Basin which is approx. a 10 minute drive from [TBA]. |
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1315 |
Competitors warm up time |
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1330 |
NSWSSC Race starts for both 13km and 20km courses |
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1630 |
Presentations and celebration drinks at finish line – this will be at the (Long Course Finish Location) either Palm Beach (Station Beach) or (Long Reef, Fishermans Beach (boatramp) |
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 right hand, plus your race number sticker will be placed on the front right hand side of your craft.
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 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.
- In the event of an emergency, a competitor’s location can be tracked either by the SafeTrx app or a distress beacon. The race event channel will be channel 77 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 recommend 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 for the 20km race start at Long Reef must be in knee depth water standing next to their surf ski, ready for a surf ski jump start. Short course competitions at Mona Vale Basin will have a deep water start out past the wave breaking area. If the long course is reserved and starting at Station Beach, Palm Beach there will be a knee depth beach jump start. If the short course is reversed there will be a deep water start at Avalon beach out past the wave area.
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 Fishermans Beach, Long Reef (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
Presentations will be at 4:30pm at the finish line either Station Beach, Palm Beach or Fishermans Beach, Long Reef.
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
