Hi All,
I attended a meeting of the HCC Association this week and they are very keen to gauge the level of interest from the SUP community for this year's 40th Anniversary.

In recent years there have been approx. 12 - 15 SUPS in the event which is a 111km paddle from Windsor to Brooklyn overnight. The Classic has historically been an paddle for canoe and kayak paddlers but with SUP fast becoming one of the world's biggest sports it is an ultimate test for any paddler looking to challenge mind and body. Its not all about racing though there is a class just for those that want to just make it to the end no matter how long it takes and this year they are letting paddlers just complete the 65km section from Windsor to Wiseman's Ferry if the full distance is too much.

If anyone is interested in finding out more details about the HCC please let me know. This year will be my 17th Classic so can pass on my knowledge of this fantastic event.

Hope to see many more SUP's at the start this year.

Cheers.

What are the dates?

29th October 2016......
Im doing it this year, and i think there is going to be quite a few Sup'ers from Newcastle making the trip.
I plan on paddling the whole coarse in about 3 or 4 sections before race day if any one is keen to come along let us know

Saturday October 29 with starts at either 4.00pm for non competitive and 4.15pm for the competitive class.

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karl69 said..
29th October 2016......
Im doing it this year, and i think there is going to be quite a few Sup'ers from Newcastle making the trip.
I plan on paddling the whole coarse in about 3 or 4 sections before race day if any one is keen to come along let us know

I dont think i could stand up to the whole course, would be interested to paddle a section of the river while you are training.

Hi GMilne,
There are 19 checkpoints, either boats in the water or land based sites, along the way to monitor each paddlers progress. There are 3 major checkpoints at the 30, 65 and 90 km land based locations where your landcrew can meet up with you. At these points your landcrew can top up your food and hydration requirements and there are physios and first aiders to look after any aches and pains you may have that need treatment.

You can take your time at these major checkpoints to rest up before you head out again but there are cutoff times overall if your progress is too slow. You can probably take a break from paddling standing up if you need to when on the water.

If you are a competent paddler, on the board, that has done sufficient training you should be able to do the 65km at least.

Let me know if you want any more info.

Cheers!

Hi GMilne
I will post on here a week or two in advance when i plan to do a long paddle down the Hawkesbury. If anyone wants to come there welcome

This will be my 2nd classic on a SUP. I know there are at least 7 people from Newcastle and a couple from the Central Coast doing it. I recently approached HCC about having two classes that being a 14 ft and under and above 14 ft category. Also asked whether their licencing could consider the use of bumbag style PFD's for SUPs but they said no.

I'm sure they will consider other classes, male, female and age catergories if they get enough sustained interest and commitment from the SUP community but in recent years there hasn't been the numbers to justify these changes.

Hopefully this year the numbers will increase significantly!

I spoke to the wife and we are going to have a go at the event.

We are already heavy into the cross fit so fitness is good just need to expand into endurance work for this event.

@Karl - keen to train with some 1 who has done it before to understand how it works and some of the watch outs.

Good stuff GMilne!

This year will be number 17 for me, though it will only be my second time on a SUP. I'm happy to speak to you on the phone some time if you want to know a bit more about the detail of the event. Send me an email if you want.

I mainly paddle on Port Hacking so if your down Cronulla way sometime let me know.

Cheers!

Great event - note, it's 100kms not the 111kms.

My Garmin has given me distances of 99.9 kms in my ocean ski and 100.9 on the SUP.

They also have a shorter event this year finishing at Wisemans Ferry which is 60kms.

The finish line in 2014 - 100kms in 12 1/2 hours on 14' x 25"

Mmmm, I might just be mad enough to attempt this.

*I may think differently when I'm sober......

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tightlines said..
Mmmm, I might just be mad enough to attempt this.

*I may think differently when I'm sober......

Kent make sure you talk to me before you make your final decision.

Hi breezers I'm doing the hawksberry this year and I was wondering What's the difference between the competitive and non competitive class also are there many crew doing the race from Qld . Would like to hear from anyone doing the race or have done the race in past years to pick their brains on tides, gear and general preparation . Thanks

Hi Moffs,
The differences between competitive and non-competitive classes are one has trophies on offer for the fastest in each class and the Brooklyn or Bust (non-comp for those just wanting to finish) start is 15mins earlier than the competitive SUP class. Both of these starts are mixed in with other kayaks, canoes and skis.

I've done 16 classics in the past so have a fair bit of knowledge and I'm happy to try and answer any questions you have. Send me an email.

Cheers.

Hi,
For anyone interested, entries to the Classic have now opened. Go to www.canoeclassic.asn.au for more details.

Cheers.

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surf4fun said..

tightlines said..
Mmmm, I might just be mad enough to attempt this.

*I may think differently when I'm sober......

Kent make sure you talk to me before you make your final decision.

It's ok Cam I sobered up.

I actually still think I would like the challenge but it def isn't going to happen this year.

Hi all,

Just heard about the canoe classic! Hoping to train up and enter this year. Just trying to gauge the pros and cons between using a touring or race board... I haven't attempted anything this big before...

Cheers