Big Paddle On Again At Bondi

By Duncan Horscroft on November 17, 2011 in Sport

All aboard for the Bondi Big Paddle on Saturday, November 26 to raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

Last year’s inaugural event raised almost $3000 for sick kids and this year organisers are expecting a bigger line-up to take on the 10km paddle from Bondi to Coogee’s Wedding Cake Island and back.

Included in the field will be some of the boys from Bondi Rescue on a range of craft from stand-up paddle boards (SUP’s), surf skis, surf rescue boards and giant ocean-racing skis.

For those who are more comfortable inside the bay at Bondi Beach, there will be a 2km SUP race with the winner receiving a new board from Suplove.

Also inside the bay will be a Dash for Cash race on inflatable lilos.

“Instead of having the Dash as a serious race this year we have angled it more towards the joy of getting involved in the community and having fun,” race director and Bondi Rescue lifeguard Ryan ‘Whippet’ Clark said.

Heading a host of celebrities lending their name to a great cause is Bondi Vet’s Chris Brown who has been spotted getting in some serious practice among the Bondi breakers.

“I’m out to beat my 8th spot last year, which wasn’t too bad from a field of 40,” he told The Beast.

“This contest is for a great cause and everyone, no matter what their skill level, can get out and have a go.”

As well as cash, there will plenty of other great prizes including signed Roosters jerseys and corporate tickets to next year’s games.

Main sponsor Ray White Unlimited is proud to back on deck after the success of last year’s event.

Registration will be open from 6.30am on the day and the main race is expected to get underway at 8am. The presentation will be at the Bondi Icebergs from 2pm.

For further information go to at www.bondibigpaddle.com.au.