Helpful winds aid Impossible race

THE Surf Coast’s strongest ocean paddlers enjoyed favourable conditions during the latest edition of an open-water race.

The Impossible had its seventh annual competition on the weekend, with 55 paddlers tackling the 20-kilometre circuit from Torquay to Barwon Heads.

Reintroduced South Australian travel restrictions caused late withdrawals from some interstate racers, leaving a field of 55 to compete.

Ten-knot tail winds from Fishermans Beach helped paddlers cruise at up to 20kmh on choppy waves through the race’s first stretch, before a southerly change challenged frontrunners.

Sorrento paddler Anthony Deague was first across the line in the open men’s surfski-kayak category with a time of 1:21:53, ahead of previous winners Tim Altman and Ivor Morgan.

Ocean Grove’s Kim Gilling secured a local win in the women’s division, stopping the clock at 1:45:08 ahead of Hanna Greene.

Torquay’s Jock Evans was fastest of prone paddles in 2:22:36, while First Geelong Outriggers steered the fastest team canoe.