The 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships is set to be a family affair for Brisbane Paddling Club members Alex and Ben Lloyd.
After taking up paddling, the Lloyd’s are now preparing to team up in the doubles event for the 2023 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Perth later this year.
“Our family started taking regular, short breaks on the Sunshine Coast, and decided we should take up an activity on the water,” Ben said.
“I’d done some paddling when I was younger and always saw the appeal in doing more. I tried ocean paddling, at first when having a short break about once a month, but then started paddling on the river at home and it all progressed from there.
“My wife and I both paddle, so might as well do it in one boat. What could possibly go wrong,” he joked.
With a chance to race at a World Championships in his favourite paddling location, it was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
“My favourite place to paddle would be Perth – the coastline is so close to the city, with reliable wind…I’m jealous of what they have,” Ben said.
“The WA Race Week and The Doctor is a great event too, while I’m never going to win it, the fact that I can start with and measure myself against those who will win it is pretty special,” he said.
Ben admits that while he’s not the fastest paddler, that’s one of the things he loves most about the sport of ocean racing.
“Paddling is so technical – a good stroke can make up against a paddler who is stronger, but has poor technique,” Lloyd said.
“Ocean Racing adds reading the water, using your effort in the right way to surf more and I seem to be okay at that.
“It’s always nice to keep up with or beat someone who is faster on the flatwater,” he said.
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
