Torquay trio to test limits in virtual race

A TRIO of Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) athletes will take on a prestigious Hawaiian paddle race tomorrow (Saturday, July 29) without having to leave the Surf Coast.

16-year-old Harris Henderson and 14-year-olds Taj Purcell and Jack Patel will make the 16-nautical mile (27 km) paddle down from Aireys Inlet to Torquay SLSC this Saturday in a virtual running of the famous Moloka’i to Oahu (M2O) paddleboard race.

The three mates will meet at Torquay SLSC around noon on the day to measure the weather conditions on the day before making their way down the coastline.

Each of the boys will paddle at two-kilometre intervals on one paddleboard, with a safety boat and two jet skis following the trio for safety measures and changeovers.

“The actual paddle happens in Hawaii and a lot of surf lifesaving athletes from Australia compete in that race and hold records, so we thought we would give it a go,” Henderson said.

“Ironman Matt Bevilacqua was a big inspiration for us all in doing this, and Zeb Walsh from the club paddles long distances, as well as Harriet Brown who also does long distance competitions.

“So we wanted to see if we could do something similar on the Surf Coast and hopefully we can get a solid time.”

The boys have been undertaking frequent long-paddles in preparation for their challenge.

Tomorrow’s paddle also provides a solid training session for the coming Endurance Championships on October 21 to begin the summer lifesaving season.

The three junior athletes are hoping to finish inside three and a half hours.

For more information on the M2O, head to molokai2oahu.com