Graeme Long Memorial Paddle - Victoria
Media Release - Peak Adventure / 04.01.2011
<b>Bells Beach you will be paddling right past this break.</b>Entered and raring to go is local favourite, Ivor Morgan, who has already displayed incredible form at this season's Outlaw Crit races. But he'll have a strong NSW contingent to contend with, with reigning champ, Dean Gardiner, and Byron Bay's Kurt Tutt, throwing down the cross-border gauntlet.
Or maybe the pressure will come from further north; Queenslander, and inaugural Graeme Long winner, Adam McKane, is back in the fray, and eager to snatch back the title.
An OC1 during last years Graeme Long event
In the OC1 field, look out for Echuca's Rod Clark and Elwood's Jason Shepherd. No OC6 teams have entered as yet, but we're ever hopeful - c'mon guys, what are you waiting for? This is going to be an awesome downwind event, with (fingers crossed) ideal conditions. As we write, the forecast is pointing to southwesterly winds at 25 knots, 1-2 metre swell and balmy temperatures in the high 20s. If you're serious about downwind ocean racing, then the Graeme Long - Victoria's only leg of the Australian Ocean Racing Series - is a must.
Rumour has it that Rohan Long, son of the eponymous Graeme, will be racing this year, so the event will have added poignancy. For those of you who don't know Graeme's inspirational story, read Rohan's piece that follows.
In the meantime, if you're toying with the idea of taking on this thrilling 25km challenge, pull your finger out, and put the Graeme Long at the top your 2011 New Year's Resolution list.
Ocean ski transport and car pool:
Outlaw Paddling will have two large trailers leaving Fisherman's Beach at 11am. They will be available to transport all boats to the start at Urquhart's Bluff. We will also be organising a car pool at this time. If you're interested, please meet at Fisherman's Beach at 10.45am - don't be late!
More info can be found <a href="#"onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.outlawpaddling.com.au')"class="main">here</a>.
