WITH the backdrop of the stunning Budawang ranges, and with icons like Pigeon House Mountain and the Castle, this year’s fleet of ocean paddlers will have nothing but spectacular scenery as they make their way along the coast in the 2016 BIG4 Bungalow Park MAKAI Cup.
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The event is now in its fifth year and attracts some of the worlds best ocean paddlers and hundreds of spectators, friends, and support personnel.
Last year saw hundreds of people join in the festivities.
Voted the best event in 2013 and winner of the 2015 Shoalhaven City Council Best Tourism Event at the Milton Ulladulla Business Awards, the race has grown with a huge following of paddlers.
They travel from as far as New Zealand, Tasmania and the Queensland Sunshine Coast.
Wollongong paddlers have dominated the event’s history, providing three champions so far.
Cade Barnes, Michael Locke, and Mackenzie Hynard, winners in 2012, 2014, and 2015 will return to prove their fellow competitors and mother nature.
The venue provides the perfect stage for competitors to rest and prepare for a successful race.
Guests can also enjoy the spectacular grounds and surrounds of the district on the special valentine’s weekend.
The race is renowned as a premier ‘downwind’ event that uses the sea and wind conditions to allow the paddlers to surf their sleek craft for the race distance of 22km.
Ulladulla Harbour is the centre stage where paddlers will finish around 3pm, after paddling from either Sussex Inlet or Bawley Point, depending on the conditions of the day.
“This year will be even more spectacular than in the past,” said MAKAI Paddlers President, Damo Staunton.
This year will be even more spectacular than in the past.
- Damo Staunton
“We have had interest from multiple world champions Cory Hill and 2015 NZ Sportswoman of the Year, Teneale Hatton,” he said.
The climax will be the landing of an HMAS Albatross Bell 429 helicopter at Ulladulla Harbour, around 3pm to deliver the MAKAI Cup trophy to this year’s champion.
Local business support for the event has again given the team at MAKAI Paddlers a great platform to host the event on Saturday February 13.
These businesses along with the Mollymook Surf Club and Marine Rescue must be thanked for their support.
Head down to Ulladulla Harbour on Saturday, February 13 to watch the spectacle unfold. Presentations and live jazz will take place on the beautiful lawns of Boardwalk Café from 3.30-4pm.
