Athletes come for Ocean Classic

More than $20,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs when athletes from across South East Queensland take to the surf as part of the inaugural Noosa Ocean Classic next weekend.

A field of more than 200 athletes from Queensland and Australia are expected to converge at Noosa Heads Surf Club for the September 11 race, which will feature long distance board and ski events across a range of age categories. The inaugural event has also been opened up to the general public, giving hardened surf competitors the chance to go head-to-head against some of the state’s top athletes from outside the lifesaving fraternity.

Surf Life Saving Queensland surf sports manager Chris Harris said this was sure to make for an exciting day of competition, with plenty at stake for the athletes.

“With more than $20,000 up for grabs there is no doubt this will be a hotly contested event,” he said.

“But, almost more importantly, there will also be plenty of personal pride on the line for these athletes as well.

“Our surf sports competitors pride themselves on being the fittest and the fastest on the beach, and they certainly won’t want to be upstaged by an outsider on what they consider their home turf.

“With the peak surf sports season just around the corner, it will also be a great opportunity for each athlete to test themselves individually and potentially make a big mark leading into some of the year’s premier races,” he said.

Mr Harris said the race would also feature a number of strong up-and-coming junior athletes who are all keen to make a name for themselves on a big stage.

“It’s certainly an exciting time for surf sports in Queensland,” he said.

“In the past few years, we have started to see a new generation of surf athletes emerge who are really starting to drive this sport into the future.

“While the likes of Darren Mercer and Grant Kenny may no longer be competing regularly, there are plenty of promising junior athletes who are eager to fill their shoes.

“In fact, we could well see the Mercer name back on the podium with Darren’s daughter Jordan set to compete in the female paddle board,” he said.

Mr Harris said the race was also open to people of all ages and abilities.

Race entries close at 11am on Monday (September 6).

To register or for further information, please contact Surf Life Saving Queensland on (07) 3846 8000 or visit www.lifesaving.com.au to obtain an entry form.