OLYMPIC ROWER EYES OFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OF A NEW KIND

He’s a seven-time world champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist in the sport of rowing, but now James Tomkins is preparing for a challenge of a different kind.

Since retiring as an elite athlete, Tomkins has been searching for ways to keep himself active, finding himself in an ocean ski.

“I got involved when one of my best friends suggested that we should do the Molokai to Oahu crossing…and that I needed a new challenge!” Tomkins said.

“I said no, but about six months later he asked again and I thought why not, and away we went.

“I loved being a beginner again and moving up the learning curve with a bunch of others that had taken up the challenge. Now I’m hooked!

“I love being back on the water, love the learning and love the social aspect with like-minded ocean people.

“It’s also pretty cool to be able to talk and carry on while paddling, it’s the new cycling,” he said.

In 2022, Tomkins assumed a broader role in the sport of ocean racing, taking up the position of Chair of the Discipline Technical Committee. 

As part of his role, Tomkins has been heavily involved in the planning for the 2023 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships set to be held in Perth, Western Australia at the end of the year.

“I’m excited to see all the paddlers from around the world, coming over and experiencing one of the best places to paddle, and having a ball in great conditions,” Tomkins said.

But being part of the organisation of the event wasn’t enough for Tomkins, he’s preparing to enter the event as a competitor and encourages others to get involved too.

“The tip is to have a ball and go for it, paddle every day and have a ball,” Tomkins said.

Entries are now open for the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships and 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Masters World Championships, to be held in Perth, WA from 27 November – 3 December 2023 with the race window starting from 30 November.

The world’s best ocean racers will compete along the 20km downwind course from Fremantle to Scarborough Beach.

Both World Championships will be open entry, meaning that paddlers will not need to qualify to participate across the Junior, Under 23, Senior and Masters age divisions, they will only need to be members of their National Federation to participate,

As a special offer for early entrants, those who register before 17 July 2023 will go into the draw to win their entry fees back, with one winner drawn every fortnight (see the competition terms and conditions HERE).

To stay up to date with the Perth Ocean Racing World Championships, click ‘interested’ or ‘attending’ on the FACEBOOK EVENT.

Find out more – click here

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