What an absolute cracker of a morning and by all reports everyone enjoyed it and thought the format was well worth repeating.
The day started off in the dark with paddlers gathering for the briefing.
As the sun rose we were greeted with millpond perfect conditions, with the sun popping in and out.
As racing got underway in the mens 2000m race, it was Marcus on his new 14 DC, followed by Mike Galvin and Greg Kerr neck and neck both on Starboard Coast Runners, a battle that would continue untiltheend of the day.
The rest of the pack spread out across the course with a number of battles within the race taking place.
It was the ladies turn next and it was Starboard rider Michelle England who jumpedout to an early lead and managed to hold onto it for the rest of the day. Close behind was Lorrayne with Jacqe and Natalie rounding out the field.
As the men returned up the course to the start line, the sun came out and the mist hanging over the city started to burn off.
Race number 2 (1500m) was much the same story with Marcus out in front and Galvo and Greg battling it out for 2nd and 3rd, as conditions only got better.
Next up saw the two competitors in the surfboard division take to the water, the ladies paddling back to the start managed to offer a few pointers.
As the races got shorter and the bodies became fatigued the field was closer and closer.
By the time the last race (500m) rolled around the sun was out there was not a breath of wind and racing conditions were perfect. Michelle having not had enough in the womens division decided totake on some of the men and held her own.
Final results:
Womens 12'6 - Michelle England, Lorrayne Grullis, Jacquie, Natalie
Surfboard- Gary, Justin
12'6 - Luke Jenkins, Rob Porzig, Ian Nicholson
14' - Marcus Tardew, =2 Greg Kerr and Mike Galvin
Big thanks to Mike from Stand Up Surf Shop for providing prizes and getting behind the day.