With the backdrop of the stunning Budawang ranges, and with such icons as Pigeon House Mountain and the Castle, this year’s competitors will have spectacular scenery as they make their way along the coast in the 2015 MAKAI Cup.

The event, now in its fourth year, attracts not only some of the best ocean paddlers in the world to the beautiful South Coast, but is also a magnet for many hundreds of spectators, friends, and support personnel.

Voted the best event in 2013, the race has grown with a huge following of paddlers travelling from as far as Tasmania and the Queensland Sunshine Coast.

Wollongong Paddlers have dominated the event’s short history, providing two champions so far.

Cade Barnes and Michael Locke, winners in 2012 and 2014 respectively, will both return to prove their worth against not only their fellow competitors but also the ever-changing ocean conditions.

The race is renowned as a premier downwind event that uses the prevailing sea and wind conditions to allow the paddlers to surf their sleek craft for the race distance of 20 kilometres.

Ulladulla Harbour is the centre stage, where competitors will finish from 3pm to 3.30pm, after paddling from either Bendalong or Bawley Point, depending on the conditions of the day.

“This year will be even more spectacular,” MAKAI Paddlers media liaison officer Bruce “Esky” Mitchell said. 

“We have been talking with the 723 Squadron from HMAS Albatross, who are planning to support the event from the air, with one of their spectacular Bell 429 navy helicopters. 

The climax will be the landing at Ulladulla Harbour at around 3pm to deliver the MAKAI Cup trophy.

BIG4 Bungalow Park is providing accommodation deals and sponsorship to the event, to ensure that the weekend is once again a great success.

“The BIG4 Park provides the perfect stage for competitors to rest and prepare for a successful race, and to enjoy the beauty of Burrill Lake on the special Valentines weekend,” Bruce said.

“Local business support for the event has again given the team at MAKAI Paddlers a great platform to host the event.”

BIG4 Bungalow Park at Burrill Lake, Boardwalk Café, Exceed Building, Damo’s Switched On Electrical, 723 SQN HMAS Albatross, EyeQ Optometrists Tony Ireland, Mollymook Fine Wines and Ales, AKWA Surf at Milton, Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Beach Art and Framing and Mollymook Surf Club are thanked for their invaluable support.

Epic Kayaks Australia, Gill Marine, Pro Kayaks, Fineprint T-Shirts and Rhino Racks are also providing valuable support to the event.

Head down to Ulladulla Harbour on Saturday 14th February to watch the spectacle unfold, with the winners expected after 3pm, once the Navy helicopter touches down.

Live music by the MAKAI Band as well as race presentations will take place on the beautiful lawns of Boardwalk Café from 3.30pm onwards.