The 2023 George Bass Surfboat Marathon promises plenty of action both on and off the beach. Photo: Le Hellstick.
The George Bass Surfboat Marathon was cut short in 2020 when bushfires affected the South Coast, and last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19, so organizers have decided to hold the race in January 2023. is determined.
Competitors are gearing up to take part in the world’s longest and toughest surf boat race, kicking off on January 1st from Corrigan’s Beach in Batemans Bay.
17 boat crews and 17 surf ski competitors from all over the country participate in the grueling 7-day event, although entries are about 50% lower than in previous years.
Race director Andrew Holt, who will not be racing for the first time since 1994, is looking forward to an action-packed event free of fires, COVID-19 and medical emergencies.
“The field is a little tighter this year. I think people are still a little wary of travel and large gatherings, so there aren’t that many entries,” he said.
“We have boat crews from Mullaloo, Western Australia, ski paddlers from Yeppoon, Far North Queensland, and competitors from Victoria, and some from Sydney.”
Local crews from Moruya, Broulee, Tathra and Pambula Surf Life Saving Clubs will also compete for line honors.
For Andrew, 2023 is all about finishing the race.
“That’s my goal, to finish it,” he said.
“The last full event was in 2018. When wildfires hit Cobargo in 2020, we won two legs. is what happened.
“Last year I had to call around September and decided to cancel.
Andrew also hopes there will be no injuries or medical emergencies this year after Crew Sweep suffered a heart attack during the 2018 event. revived by a doctor in
From Batemans Bay to Eden, seven beaches on the South Coast draw crowds. Photo: George Bass Surfboat Marathon.
When it comes to competition, the organizers are hoping for some good racing with some great lead-up events and previous winning teams in attendance.
“There are plenty of opportunities for the spectators to cheer on the team at each finish point,” said Andrew.
The race concludes in Eden on January 7th with a presentation and afterparty at the Tathra Country Club.
The George Bass Surfboat Marathon covers 190 kilometers of coastline and challenges men, women, veterans and juniors on swells.
Andrew says you can never predict how an open water race will unfold.
“If you have a northeast tailwind, it’s a good day.
“Some days are really fun because you can catch the swell all the way down. Other days when you’re breaking waves can be pretty tough.
“Hats off to the ski paddlers because they are alone for a few hours battling the wind and rain.”
Teams must stay warm, stay hydrated and eat well to maintain energy levels and manage fatigue.
The marathon started in 1975 and added a surf-ski event in the 1990s, offering a unique experience for all competitors.
Over the years, entries have been received from all Australian states, as well as England, Wales and New Zealand.
Spectators can find places to catch the action on the George Bass Surfboat Marathon website.
