AFTER 40 kilometres on the ocean and hours of gruelling surf, only seconds separated the first and second craft to cross the finish line at Four Mile Beach in the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge today.

As expected, the surf skis took line honours with Dean Gardiner of Paddle New South Wales finishing the iron course in 2h41m26 edging out Mick De Rooy of Coral Sea (2:41:52) in a thrilling duel.
The women’s surf ski division was completed in a gallant effort by Belinda Nissen (4:34:17) and Sharmen Parr (5h43m).

Far North Queensland OC6 (six man) crews reigned supreme with Coconuts (Innisfail) taking out the men’s division in 3h20m59s ahead of Cairns Beaches (3h25m51s); while host club Hekili (Cairns) finished first in the women’s division  in 3h46m05s just ahead of Port Douglas (3h47m53s) and a second Hekili crew of senior master women (aged 45 & over).

Australian outrigger stalwart Peter Dorries took out the men’s OC1 (single) division and was the fourth craft to reach Four Mile Beach in 3h08m01s and dynamic local duo Keith Vis and Ralph Seed from Hekili crossing first in the OC2 division in 3h20m26s.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the far northern coastline, competitors from Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Perth, Wollongong and Melbourne paddled hard and surfed skillfully to complete the ultimate challenge of Australia's longest iron race.

Part of the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival, a field of more than 116 paddlers completed the 40km endurance event in cracking pace, taking full advantage of the downwind course and 15 to 20 knot south-easterly winds from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

A colourful armada of water craft and support boats set off in a staggered start from Palm Cove in front of a large crowd of spectators and supporters.

Conditions were good but tough with paddlers not getting as much wind assistance as they would have liked. Still, it was all smiles at Four Mile Beach as outriggers compared notes with RRR mountain bikers and Coral Coast triathletes after a tough day at the office for all competitors.

Hekili (Cairns) Outrigger Canoe Club's race director Denis Cole said a cap of 50 craft was set for the first year but today's success had ensured the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge would become a permanent feature of the Australian outrigger competition calendar.

"Today's event would not have been possible without the vision and commitment of the Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club with support from USM Events and our local community," Cole said.

"We thank the dozens of volunteers, including the Coastguard and SES, who assisted on the water to ensure the safety of all competitors and look forward to returning even bigger and better next year.

"Challenge Cairns and the Adventure Festival has really confirmed Cairns as the adventure capital of Australia and the outrigger community is excited to be a part of it."

Media contacts:
Denis Cole (race director) - 0419 514 911  
Sue Lockwood (Hekili women's captain/steerer) - 0438 129 575