Battle of the fittest set for the Surf Coast

CLOSE to 100 athletes will test their endurance skills in the Great Ocean Paddle on the Surf Coast next month.

The fast-paced 20km downwind race will see competitors tackle the open ocean on various paddlecraft including ski, SUP, outrigger or paddle board.

The course will traverse the iconic surf breaks of Bells Beach, Winkipop and Torquay, giving athletes the chance to see the coast from a spectacular vantage point.

Race director Jared Kohlar said preparations were coming along swimmingly for the February 2 event.

“Entries have been ticking away nicely, particularly because it’s the final event of the Victorian Ocean Racing Series.

“It’s a great challenge for all the local paddlers to get involved in. A few people have been training for it, even people from the Melbourne CBD who are throwing their hat in the ring.

“We’d be coming up on about 20 years of the event, and it continues to showcase the Surf Coast and its iconic beauty.”

The Great Ocean Splash will also run the day prior to the main event, taking place on February 1.

The Splash is a family-friendly option with 2.5km or 5km distances available.

For more information, head to peakadventure.com.au or the Paddle Vic Ocean Paddling Facebook page.