Avoca paddlers win Patonga race on Broken Bay

More than 75 participants in the Central Coast Harbour Classic Paddling Race were welcomed to Patonga on Saturday, August 16, with perfect paddling weather.

After weeks of on and off rain on the Coast a lucky break saw sunshine, minimal wind and a tame swell backed by an outgoing tide which all combined to make for fast racing out to Broken Bay.

The fourth annual Central Coast Harbour Classic was race four in the annual Harbour Series run by Paddle NSW and organised by Brisbane Water Paddlers in association with Central Coast Ocean Paddlers, a community-based club of local kayakers who train, race and paddle together. 

Avoca locals dominated the 9km short course with Cronulla Sutherland Kayak Club dominating the long course.

The 9km short course saw paddlers start at the jetty and head out to a turning mark at Juno Point before they raced toward Broken Bay to turn at a second marker near Middle Head and back to Patonga. 

The 13km long course was similar but saw paddlers continue past Middle Head and race anti-clockwise around the iconic Lion Island before the home stretch to Patonga. 

With a mix of ocean skis, outriggers and stand-up paddleboards, there was an option for everyone.

The conditions made for fast harbour racing with some great results from Central Coast paddlers including Trent Martin (2nd place long course overall),  Tor Manser (4th place long course overall), Erin Braund and Kerry Davenport (1st place double ski), Jasper Hunter (1st place short course overall) and Liv Manser (1st place female short course).

The post-race presentation took place at Patonga Beach House where paddlers shared stories and laughs from the race over a coffee and enjoyed a raffle of great prizes donated by Tango Charlie, Salty Cheeks and OceanPaddler.

A new initiative for 2025 by Brisbane Water Paddlers was to introduce a new trophy in the shape of Lion Island titled The Lion Legend, to be awarded to the fastest male and female in the long course, who have their name etched into the trophy as Lion King and Lion Queen respectively. 

The first title of Lion King and Lion Queen went to Vukasin Vujanic and Montannah Murray, both speedy young-guns from Cronulla Sutherland who carved up the long course. 

Brisbane Water Paddlers received positive feedback from the event with one paddler saying: “A big thank you to Brisbane Water Paddlers for hosting another beautiful leg of the Harbour Series; great day out!”.

The Central Coast community spirit was alive, with Central Coast Marine Rescue members present in their jetskis to support the event and keep a safe eye on paddlers.

The Avoca Kayak Club also participated in large numbers.

Brisbane Water Paddlers would like to thank Central Coast Council, Tango Charlie Lights and PaddleNSW for their support.

If you are interested in joining a local kayaking group, or trying out kayaking for the first time  contact Brisbanewaterpaddlers@gmail.com or visit their website to find out more.