Four Mile Beach will be a buzz at the GBROC boat competition finish-line
Come down to Four Mile Beach to witness the iconic Ocean Challenge finish
It will be a spectacular afternoon at Four Mile Beach when the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge (GBROC) finishes this Saturday from midday.Fifty-four ocean craft, including a Hydrofoil, will be gliding over the sea in an endurance race that has become an iconic event in the water sports world.
At 8.30 am on Yorkeys Knob Beach the starting flag will send off the fleet of boats in the eleventh annual GBROC competition heading over forty-five kilometres of surf to finish at Four Mile Beach.
This annual event is gaining attention across Australia for the endurance required, and the adventure of canoeing over the ocean in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations.
“This race is unique in being the longest downwind run. On a good day the boats can surf the whole way on the swell towards Port Douglas,” Charlie McKillop, President of Hekili Outriggers Canoe Club Cairns and event organiser commented.
A star of Hydrofoiling is competing
For the first time James Casey, who holds a world record in Hydrofoiling, will be competing. It’s estimated he will be first over the line on Saturday cruising on his spectacular surfboard that is raised out of the water by submerged wings.
“When James is foiling, visually he looks out of this world. If he catches a swell, he’ll be moving at up to 25 kms an hour,” Charlie said.
Our Port Douglas Team
The sport has attracted participants from as far away as Sydney but includes our own team from Port Douglas.
Ingrid Juchem, President, Outrigger Canoe Club Port Douglas has competed in the event eight times. From Yorkeys Knob even through the sea mist, the finish line is visible. “For me, that’s something comforting. I say to myself ‘I’m going home’”.
Yet this year may be her most challenging. She's brought together a team of ten women and so far, she’s been in a canoe with just one of them.
Paddle the whole way, or Switch
There are two categories in this year’s race. In the 'Iron' a competitor paddles the whole way, or there is the 'Switch', a category that allows competitors to swap mid-stream.
To switch two paddlers will jump out of their support boat and pull themselves out of the water into the canoe, as the others jump out.
“The changeover is great when it goes well, but it comes down to teamwork and communication,” Charlie said. “Everyone has to have a clear idea of who is getting out or in or you might end up with someone in your lap or doing a Huli (capsizing).”
Ingrid hopes her team will travel around 10 kilometres an hour, to reach Port Douglas around midday.
It’s at this point the adrenaline starts to pump, and what makes that moment incredibly special is when the onlookers cheer the team through the finishing line. It’s time for paddles down and a long lunch at the surf club.