PaddleNSW organises the ‘Harbour Series’ of races, hosted by PNSW member clubs in Sydney and regional areas. They are suitable for all paddler skill levels, with short course options for the less experienced, and longer courses in more exposed waters for those more capable.

The series has been running continuously since 2012, and has been key to the growth of several new open water clubs.

Race #1 Brisbane Waters Open Sat 15 Feb

• Results (via webscorer)
• PNSW Flickr Pix (150+)

Race report - from Trevor Nichols
The first harbour series race of the year was hosted by Brisbane Water Paddlers on a new course starting at the Saratoga Sailing Club. This is just a short distance from the more familiar Davistown, and the move was made to improve the event with fewer channels to contend with. Brisbane Water Paddlers is a relatively new club with 35 members so putting on such an event is a top effort and much appreciated. After having well over 100 entries last year this years’ 67 registrations was a tad disappointing. Perhaps recent weather events and the potential for a lot of debris in the water from heavy rain came into play? Or was it that some regulars were still shell shocked from the previous weekends Makai Cup race in Ulladulla which by all accounts was intense and resulted in several broken skis?

As for the event itself, we had perfect conditions making it feel like a marathon series race due to the lack of wind and almost zero wake. I heard more than one paddler wishing they had bought their K1 during the warm up. It was great to have 15 Lane Cove paddlers in the event including Brett Greenwood and James Harrington who we are more used to seeing in Manly colours.

Above: Jeff Collins with mandatory leg leash in the rough conditions

The 8am briefing was bang on time, with Tony Hystek explaining the start procedure for doubles, followed by the 15km starters then the 10km event. Craig Dodd ran over the course, which was star shaped to get the distance in the harbour. I was one of those who did not pay as much attention to the course briefing as I should have thinking “well Brett and the fast paddlers are listening and looking at the map so I will just follow them”. My novice error was that on a star shaped course the fast paddlers are quickly out of sight and I was left to think feck do we also have go around that buoy or is it a simple harbour mooring buoy. My GPS track of just under 14.5km showed that I, along with the 4 boats I was chasing around the course, did miss a buoy somewhere. My favourite part of the day was arriving at the finish with Phil Geddes and asking how he enjoyed the 10km course to be told "no I also did the 15km but missed a turn or two".

Above: Phil Geddes at the 15km start

Well done to Matt and Liberty Blundell getting in more race experience this time in an Epic V8 double - I am told by a friend these are brilliant boats. We had Brett win the long course singles and Tony & Alana the doubles. BWP have their marathon series race on 31 May which is hopefully better attended as these events have a positive impact on smaller clubs in particular. I really enjoyed the event and appreciated the earlier start than the marathon series and look forward to doing a few more hopefully with a bit of swell to contend with.

Above: Results for Lane Cove entries

Race #2 Pittwater Challenge - Sat 14 Mar

• Entries OPEN (via webscorer)

Quoting from PNSW FB post: The Pittwater Challenge was unfortunately unable to proceed due to unacceptably strong wind conditions. A southerly front earlier predicted to hit mid morning arrived at around 7.30am, and though we waited for the possibility it might ease off and made several course changes to concentrate safety resources, the call was made to cancel the race.

Fortunately for all entered, Manly Warringah Kayak Club graciously offered to take up the option of the reserve date and reschedule the race to August 15.

All entries for 14th March have been transferred to the new date.

Organisers appreciated the many words of thanks from paddlers for the sensible decision and the offer of postponement.

Race #3 Dolls Point Classic - Sat 9 May

• Entries OPEN (via webscorer)

Welcome to race 3 of the 2020 PaddleNSW Harbour Series, The Dolls Point Classic, hosted by Dolls Point Paddlers.

Early Bird Entries close at midnight on Tuesday 5th May. All entries close at midnight on Thursday 7th May

Note that the Entry Fee includes the Paddle Australia Single Event Licence (Limited Insurance) required if you are not a member of a Paddle Australia affiliated paddling organisation. Members of affiliated paddling organisations will not be charged for the Single Event Licence.

The PaddleNSW Harbour Series has adopted the ICF policies for age classification. Ages are taken as at 31st December in the year of the event. The last year a Junior can enter an U18 (< 18) event is the year of their 18th birthday. An athlete can compete in a masters event in the year that they reach the lower limit of the age group. The age of the youngest paddler will determine the age category entered for Doubles entries.

• Race Start is at 8:30am.
• Race Briefing is at 8:00am.
• Paddler Check-in is available from 7:00am, and closes at 8:00am.
• On the Day Registration is not available

A dedicated parking area has been provided for this event, and is accessed via McMillan Avenue, Sandringham. Please DO NOT use Sanoni Avenue or park in the 16' Sailing Club Car Park. It is important that we leave the public car parking available for the Club and Kiss the Barista (Coffee Shop) customers. A Parking Permit will be provided to you when you enter the McMillan Ave car park reserve.

• Lifejackets are required to be worn by ALL paddlers in this event.
• Leg Leashes are required for all Ski & SUP paddlers in this event.

Race #5 Hacking Classic - Sun 28 Jun

• Entries OPEN (via webscorer)

Welcome to race 5 of the 2020 PaddleNSW Harbour Series, The Hacking Classic, hosted by Cronulla Sutherland Kayak Club.

Early Bird Entries close at midnight on Tuesday 23rd June.

All entries close at midnight on Thursday 25th June

Note that the Entry Fee includes the Paddle Australia Single Event Licence (Limited Insurance) required if you are not a member of a Paddle Australia affiliated paddling organisation. Members of affiliated paddling organisations will not be charged for the Single Event Licence.

The PaddleNSW Harbour Series has adopted the ICF policies for age classification. Ages are taken as at 31st December in the year of the event. The last year a Junior can enter an U18 (< 18) event is the year of their 18th birthday. An athlete can compete in a masters event in the year that they reach the lower limit of the age group. The age of the youngest paddler will determine the age category entered for Doubles entries.

Race Start is at 8:30am. Race Briefing is at 8:00am. Paddler Check-in is available from 7:00am, and closes at 8:00am. On the Day Registration is not available

Lifejackets are required to be worn by ALL paddlers in this event. Leg Leashes are required for all Ski & SUP paddlers in this event.