Ocean & Spec Skis / Surf boats / Boards / Outrigger
05 NOV 2022
Over 50 years of history
Since 1968, The Surf Safari has been a highlight of the Surf Sports calendar in Tasmania. The River Derwent comes alive with the best endurance athletes and lifesavers displaying their skills across a range of courses including the challenging 20km for surf boats and ski paddlers. In recent years the Surf Safari program has been extended to include ocean skis, stand up paddle boards, outriggers, junior boards and some shorter distance even
In 2018 the Surf Safari celebrated 50 years of continuous surf craft racing in Tasmania – making it the longest running surf craft event in Australia.
( watch the 1974 race from Hobart Regatta grounds to Lewisham Tavern crossing the Lauderdale canal )
Entry & Course details
The event will take place on the picturesque River Derwent which runs through the city of Hobart. The river and estuary provide a relatively safe, but at times testing, environment for the event. This year the Surf Safari will start and finish at Long Beach Lower Sandy Bay – 5kms south of the Hobart CBD.
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Ocean & Spec Ski – 6km, 12km & 20km
The 20 km Ski race will be conducted in a “weather window” in an attempt to maximize downwind conditions. The start time will be no later than 11.00 am to ensure a finish in time for the presentations and postrace celebrations.
• Course from the south – launch and start from Tinderbox, upstream and finish at Sandy Bay
• Course from the north – launch at Claremont Bay staying on the eastern side of the river to a selected point before heading cross river and south.
• Course in westerly conditions – Starting at Sandy Bay, heading down river to a designated point before heading across the river to the Doran’s Road boat ramp.
• In adverse conditions an out and back course will ensure the event is conducted.
• Paddlers need to be present at the race briefing at 8.00 am at Sandy Bay.
A shorter 12km out and back loop ski race will be on offer for the Open, Under 17, Under 19, Over 35, Over 50 and Over 60 divisions (Male and Female). While a 6km loop course ‘legends’ and novice race will be conducted. An open double ski event will also be held over both shorter loop courses of 6 and 12km.
Stubbs Design & Construction, Fenn skis and Next Level kayaking are proud major sponsors of the ski events.
REGISTER:
Register for Ski category
Rogerson & Birch
Surf boat – 6km, 12km & 20km
Surf boat racing will this year be held over three endurance distances. The full course will be held over 20km starting with the skis and finishing at Long Beach Sandy Bay. A 12km out and back course will be available for Open Women, Reserve and U23 crews. Following the success of last year, the 6km distance for the Legends – a shorter race for the “more experienced” rowers wanting to blow out the cobwebs will again be held.
REGISTER:
Register for Surf boat category
Board – 2km & 4km
A 4km Malibu course will be available for the U15 and U17s both male and female. While a shorter 2km course has been designed for U11 and U13 (M&F) racing on soft and Nipper boards. Minimum age is 10 years of age on the 30th September 2022. Both courses will start and finish on Long Beach and require competitors to test their endurance skills in the confines of the bay. Great prizes will be on offer for all divisions.
Hobart Plant Hire, DC Watercraft and Engine swimwear are the proud major sponsors of the board event.
REGISTER:
Register for the Board categoryEVENT GUIDE
Download the Event guide to get more detailed information and conditions of entry
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