One week to go!
Excitement continues to build for this year’s Surf Craft Challenge in Albany…
We’ve a huge field which will see records tumble AGAIN, a cracking team of volunteers assembled, and a completely new look clubhouse primed for action! Full race details will be available before race day, but in the meantime, here’s a few headlines to get you thinking and help you get the most out of the coming weekend.
… Surf Boats
For the first time ever we have the numbers to run two complete u23 fields … and are currently sitting at a whopping 46 boats overall! What an amazing show of support from the WA Surf Boat community. With very solid numbers through ALL masters and open categories, it promises to be huge morning of racing with some fiercely fought contests out on the high seas.
Getting on the water and over to the start line will need some extra coordination and teamwork, and we are looking at some extra time into the wave start times as we speak.
A reminder:
- Wave starts will be the order of the day – so stay tuned for the final start times at Saturday’s water safety and race briefing.
- Surf Boats can now be dropped at the Albany Boatshed start line on Saturday from 2 – 4pm where ASLSC members will be on hand to direct traffic and arrange boats on the beach. Whilst the area is well surveilled by CCTV and lighting, and frequented by security patrols, your gear remains your own risk and responsibility overnight. Alternatively, arrive early on Sunday and you’ll still have time to get your boat on or lined up to the beach, in time for the 7:30am Briefing.
… Surf Skis
Fantastic to see the Double Ski entries continue to roll in, beefing up an already strong field of Single Ski competitors across u19, Open and Masters categories. The SHARK FIN trophies are up for grabs again and the engravers are gearing up for a fresh crop of winners!
- Race Start – ALL skis are off the start line at 8am sharp in a single wave – so be sure to get on the water in time for a warmup straight after the 7:30am briefing and begin positioning your craft from 7:50am onwards for the all-important self-seeded start!
- Preparation is Key! Find and pack your compulsory and recommended paddling gear, study the course, and get yourself ready for a long, hard, rewarding paddle along the stunning coastline of Albany … we keep the course close to the coast at all times for safety and compliance, have a healthy fleet of water safety craft raring to go, but have seen every type of weather and paddle conditions in just the last few years of the race … from glass offs at Midds, downwinders through the Harbour, rolling waves around the around wreck of the Cheynes, as well as upwind slogs from Griffith St and washing machines through the shipping channel rocks … don’t fear – we’ve got you covered – but just in case be ready for anything!
Further instructions to follow about steering clear of the new Surf Reef at Midds!
- Getting your skis to the Start line on time …
- Ski Trailers will have drop-off access through Anzac Peace Park – We need to limit vehicle access through the park, so general ski competitor parking will be in the adjacent public carparks around the Albany Entertainment Centre and Due South – it’s only a short walk to the race start from this parking, and you can combine a last coffee and pit-stop at Hazbeanz café. Unfortunately, we’ve lost access to our gravel carpark this year, which is a privately owned development site, hence the change up.
- Checking In – don’t forget to leave some time to check-in before the briefing – a compulsory part of our approved safety plan – and to make any last minute adjustments to your setup including PFDs’, leg leashes and race stickers. This year two race stickers for our clarity, one for each side of your ski please!
Calling all Team Captains !!
Double Ski AND Surf Boat team captains can you please ensure your team members are signed up by the close of online entries next Friday 31st May @ 4pm.
Thankyou!
2km Run
A reminder the 2km is open to Nippers, Masters and Opens …
For an easy $5, put yourself, your kids or your fellow clubbies in the running for beach running glory and prize money to boot! A great fun way for the support team to compete on the day, or the chance to double up for the keenest paddlers and rowers!
Saturday – the day before the big day!
Use the morning to explore town, get out and visit our amazing event sponsors (more on that below), check out the Mt Clarence hill climb (Albany Classic – Around the Houses), or find a wave at one of our many surf beaches including Muttonbird, Ocean Beach, or our very own Middleton Beach! You might even bump into the local Albany Boardriders Wavefest while you’re at it. All in all, do not forget to throw in your short board or clubbie mal! If you’re really lucky, the new Midds surf reef might even be finished and pumping … though early indications are the contractor might still be hard at work placing rocks and finetuning the reef over the long weekend. Check out some of the latest buzz at #middsreef
- Mad Boaties – wavechasers be aware that Ocean Beach has very limited access right now and to please check access and conditions before you commit to the trip.
Registrations Night from Saturday 4pm Albany SLSC
Finish your day’s adventures and get back to the club by 4pm, with plenty of time to sign up and take your place for the Event Briefing @5pm. Enjoy the revamped clubhouse and Bar Open to 7:30pm! This briefing is compulsory, and also the best time to get hold of your Event Merchandise – make sure you don’t miss out!
And finally, go and give some love to this year’s amazing event sponsors – proud local supporters all. If you’re really lucky you’ll get a chance to meet them on the big stage for presentations … failing that, almost certainly the infamous dance floor!
BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park
Great Southern Specialist Centre
A special thanks also goes to our event partners:
Albany Sea Rescue
Albany Advertiser
See you on the beach!
Albany Surf Lifesaving Club
Photography by Lee Griffith
Used with permission. © 2024