Few things can awaken the human spirit like downwind paddling and surging across massive ocean swells, says ICF Ocean Racing Chair Colin Simpkin.
Simpkin is excited that more participants – world-class competitors and average paddlers alike – will be able to experience that thrill at one of the sport’s spiritual homes, Australia, during this year’s World Championships.
Increased accessibility and opportunity is a major feature of the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships and 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Masters World Championships, to be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 27 November to 3 December 2023. The World Championships are open entry, meaning that paddlers do not need to qualify to participate across the Junior, Under 23, Senior and Masters age divisions, they only need to be members of their National Federation.
“The first time that the World Championships will be held in one of the powerhouses of the discipline, coupled with the fact that it is an ‘open’ event, allowing far greater participation for the average paddler,” Simpkin says when asked what excites him most about this year’s World Championships.
“It will be a great showcase for the discipline. Our ICF Ocean Racing committee and the ICF staff are very excited about the prospect of being in one of the homes of ocean racing.”
From a competitive surf lifesaving background, Simpkin encourages paddlers from around the globe to take advantage of this year’s special location, a 20km downwind course from Fremantle to Scarborough Beach.
“Notwithstanding the competitive element, downwind paddling is just such a blast,” Simpkin says. “Unless one has experienced the rush of hurtling down a massive swell on a surfski, it is very difficult to explain it to someone else. There is also an element of danger, that adds a bit of spice.
“For those paddlers who are contemplating the trip from destinations where the conditions are more benign, I would advise that they ensure that they will be capable of coping with slightly more extreme conditions.”
While participants will face up to their own personal challenges on the water, Simpkin says it is always a welcoming atmosphere on land.
“The majority of the competitors are so laid back and approachable. Definitely no airs or graces in this mob,” he says.
Entries are now open for the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships and 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Masters World Championships.
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
