Jolyon set to hit the ocean in Molokai event

OCEAN Grove’s Jolyon Simpson will paddleboard between two islands in Hawaii next month when he competes in the Molokai Oahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O).

The 15-year-old will be the youngest solo entrant to take part in the iconic open ocean 53-kilometre prone paddleboard race on July 29.

Jolyon, a year 10 student at St Joseph’s College in Geelong, has been a passionate and dedicated competitor in surf lifesaving events with Ocean Grove for five years and Williamstown for six.

“This lead to my love of prone paddling,” Jolyon said.

“I love being in the ocean and putting my body through a bit of pain.”

He said he had been training morning and night in preparation for the championships, paddling from Apollo Bay to Wye River, and Point Roadknight to Cosy Corner, or along the Barwon River when it got dark.

“The race in Hawaii is between two of the islands – Molokai and Oahu.

“I think I’ll go pretty well.

“My main goal is to finish the race with hopefully a good time, and then I aim to come back and win one day.”

Jolyon will compete in the under 29 section, with his closest competitors 17 and 19 years old.

Jolyon’s M2O journey will be a massive physical commitment and a financial one, so he is calling out to any businesses who might like to support with merchandise or sponsorship.

If you can help, phone 0432 310 262 or email [email protected]