They have always said they have a waiting period of the two days to get the best conditions. Given that this is part of the ski world cup I think the organizers would be lynched if they didn't hold it in the best possible conditions.

This is from their website.

The Doctor in Perth is Australia's most exciting ocean paddling event from Rottnest Island to the mainland (or vice versa depending on wind conditions). This event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday 21st January 2012 however has a two day window to allow for the best downwind racing conditions.

Spoke to Yanda definitely Saturday due to a range of reasons - competitors in for just that day, Finn Cup, etc

surf4fun said...

From The Ocean Paddler newsletter received this morning "•Please note that the Doctor race will definitely be held on Saturday 21st January"

I take my previous comments back.

Seems a shame not to move it back a day, also puts a bit of doubt over the legitimacy of the event when they say they will do everything they can to make it the best possible DW race including changing directions and having a "waiting period" and then go against that.

Totally agree Cam....such a shame when Sunday seems to be lining up so well
Let's keep our fingers crossed for Saturday to improve...the forecast looks to be getting more favorable each day (fairly unusual to have a 10 kn sw in Perth at this time of the year)

Yep a damn shame it is not on Sunday because I think there would be quite few more West Aussies signing up, myself included (I would struggle enough with a decent wind pushing me, without it.....well I'm not willing to find out ).

It sounds like the organisers of this event have done a great job over the years and hats off to them, but it is a shame there is not a more SUP focused event i.e. direct run Rotto to Sorrento, on the best day (in this case Sunday).
It probably doesn't make quite as much difference for the ski's etc to do it on Saturday and I am sure it will be a great event anyway but I think this run could become an absolute massive event on the SUP calendar if there was a little more focus on doing it in the fantastic DWer conditions that we know the run can produce.

Anyway good luck to all competitors and may the best/fittest man/woman win.

Check the seabreeze wind chart for Sat has been a big change.

This could put a spanner in the works for those who haven't already registered. From The Ocean Paddler website:

We have reached maximum capacity on the barge to transport your craft to Rottnest and are no longer taking booking. In the first instance you will need to try the ferry companies and see if you can take your craft with you on the ferry. Call Rottnest Fast Ferries on 08 9246 1039 (departs Hillary's Marina) or Rottnest Express on 1300 46 7688 (departs Fremantle).

The forecast is looking better for Saturday

Looks better than earlier in week it was showing no wind

Is Jamie Mitchell and Connor Baxter paddling? I didn't see their names on the competitor list.

krankiman said...

check this link out adam, some big names there, not sure why they don't appear on the start list yet? must have some contacts I guess.

www.supracer.com/big-names-set-to-battle-the-doctor-this-weekend/

have you made a call yet ?

Hey Brett, Just checked out that link and it looks like half those names are missing. Maybe they saw the forecast.
I've chickened out this year and am going to focus my attention on the ski for the year and see how that goes. I'm keeping a sup for crosstraining, social downwinders and family fun.
All the best to you and everyone else doing it. It'll be a tough slog and you all deserve a cold beer at the end.
All the best mate.

can anyone show me a map of the course with compass direction and show which wind is the best for the race.

and swell direction if its applicable

cheers

pete joseph said...

The forecast is looking better for Saturday

Good luck mate...get amongst it :)

I'm a bit confused to Adam all this hype and looks like less enters then last year almost.. Does anyone know if there is a lot of people missing off the start list or was it just that....all hype??

Swell is always across you from left to right. At the start it is blocked by Rotto :-(

I think the fairway bouy position is a bit optimistic. It felt further south last year.