A flotilla of paddlers on ocean skis, outriggers and stand-up paddle boards will be battling for line honours in the Alcoa Mandurah Duel this Sunday, January 22, as they race from the Dawesville Cut to Halls Head.
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More than 150 competitors are expected to race the 12.5km course, which finishes near the clubrooms of event organiser Mandurah Ocean Club.
Club president Dario Mestrovic said the annual race was arguably one of the best downwind courses in Western Australia.
“The race has been consistently well patronised by all categories of paddlers over the years because competitors have the wind – and sometimes the swell -- in their favour. So it is generally a race that requires a high level of tactics as well as endurance,” he said.
“We’re particularly excited this year because an even greater number of outriggers is expected to compete.”
Start times for each category will be staggered between 1.45pm and 2pm. The race is expected to take over an hour to complete.
If conditions are extreme on the ocean and considered dangerous to competitors, organisers will elect to use an alternative course on the estuary.
Mr Mestrovic paid tribute to the main sponsor, Alcoa, as well as the City of Mandurah.
“We’re extremely grateful that these organisations have agreed to back the Duel. Without their support it would be difficult to hold this popular community-driven sporting event.”