Ocean Racing Series gets underway
It's unique to Nelson Mandela Bay and attracts over 6,000 entries and over 1,000 minutes in television coverage throughout the whole of summer - the Weekend Post Ocean Racing Series - Season 6 kicks off this Sunday on Hobie Beach.
The Series is open to all and appeals to the health conscious families who like to come down to the beachfront and take part in fun physical activity. Whether you're a swimmer, paddler or just a fun runner, the Ocean Racing Series has something for everyone this season.
Hundreds of open water swimmers will be expected to take part in Sundays first round of the 1km & 3km Dis-Chem Ocean Swim whilst the fun runners and families will tackle the Zports 5km Beach Run/walk or the newly introduced 1km Kids Beach Run for children 12 years and under. For the seafares there is the Varsity College Ocean Paddle which is open to all paddle craft.
"An exciting inclusion into the Ocean Racing Series this season is the introduction of Stand up paddle surfing (SUP) in the Eastern Cape," said Mike Zoetmulder from Zports, "SUP, which originates from the Hawaiian islands, is an emerging sport taken from the ancient form of surfing and is gaining popularity throughout the world. For the first time in our region, we've feature competitive SUP racing and demo craft and instruction will be available during the Series."
Online registration at just R100 for the Series is strongly recommended in order to avoid race day queues. A registration function will be held on Friday evening at the Profiles Health Club where all Series members will receive their registration packs which will include a Series gym bag, Series t-Shirt and a silicone Series swim cap. Whilst non-registered participants are welcome on race days, they will pay an additional late registration fee of R20 per race day.
Season 6 will comprise of 10 race days, held on mostly alternate Sunday morning at 9am on Hobie Beach from Sunday 7th November through to Sunday 3rd April. All finishers on race days will receive a Series medal, a USN ready to drink hydration product and will be included in the daily lucky draws which are usually valued in excess of R15,000. Special category winners medals for both men and ladies will be up for grabs in the various recognised age groups within the Series.
A key part of the Ocean Racing Series is the support of the Reach for a Dream Foundation where at least one dream is realised each and every race day. During Season 5, the Series realised 10% of the dreams in the Eastern Cape.
Race day entries and late registration on Sundays open from 7.30am with racing starting at 9am and prize giving by
10.30am on Hobie Beach. Consult the Series website www.oceanracingseries.com for online registration, series dates and other information on the Series.