The Avalon Beach SLSC co-ordinated ' Lion Island Challenge' is a race in a class of it's own!
A part of the Sydney Northern Beaches ' Ocean Series ', the Lion Island Challenge is the only challenge set in Sydney's beautiful Pittwater, and is the pioneer competition with both a board division and a ski division.
THE FOLLOWING QUOTES ARE FROM WWW.SURFSKI.INFO
"One of the strongest groups of paddlers ever will be competing in the Lion Island Challenge this coming weekend - not only are they paddling for the Lion Island Challenge Cup, but also for the US$1000 prize put up by the organisers of the Dubai Shamaal race..."
"Avalon Beach SLSC will again host the Lion Island Challenge this Saturday 20th October 2007. This 14km ocean ski endurance race is shaping up to be one of the hottest events on the Australian ocean ski calendar this year, with some of the top paddlers from around the country lining up to compete not only for the Lion Island Challenge Cup, but for the $1000 prize purse put up by the Dubai Shamaal organisers to entice Australian paddlers to their race. "
" These paddlers will join over 150 others from the East Coast of Australia, making this one of the most well contested events on Australia's growing ocean ski racing calendar. On top of the US$1000 travel voucher for the winner to attend the Dubai Shamaal Race in November there is also over $4,000 in prizes on offer to all competitors entering this event. "
Run every year in October.....
Competitiors meet on the Pittwater side of beautiful Palm Beach under the gaze of the historic Light House.
The Board Race couse ventures across Pittwater to Lion Island, around a marker buoy, and return to the start area.
The Ski race has two courses, both an 'A' grade and a ' B' grade.
'Class A' race heads from Pittwater start line around Barrenjoey Headland, heading south across Palm Beach, around marker buoy at beache's southern end, north towards, and around Lion Island, then back to Pittwater start area.
'Class B' paddle heads in an opposite direction to Class A. West towards Sand Point, out across pittwater to 'The Basin' and return to start area.
The Lion Island Challenge founder and director Brett Greenwood, takes pride in the race's philosophy and emphasis on ' fun ' and ' participation ', above the' winning' factor. Hence the name 'Challenge'
The challenge has a vast number of sponsors. Each competitor is eligable to receive any one of dozens of lucky door prizes, including ski accessories, sunglasses, clothing. The 2007 challenge even had a free racing board as a giveaway prize! Every participant gets a thank you bag full of sample products and goodies.
This challenge is both run and coordinated by Avalon Beach SLSC volunteers. Powercraft water safety is provided
by Avalon Beach SLSC Surf Lifesavers.
For further information on this event and other events in the series, please click on the image below.
