THE IMPOSSIBLE - RAce 3 of the 2025/26 victorian ocean paddling series
The tenth edition of the Impossible Ocean Paddle will take be conducted on Sat 22 November 2025. This date has been selected to ensure near high tide at Barwon Heads when paddlers enter the river mouth.
Previous year's results - The Impossible click here
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Paddlers participating in this race have been granted approval by MARITIME SAFETY VICTORIA to exceed 5 knots when within the Port of Barwon Heads and 50 metres of fixed marine structures. Click the button on the right.
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Recomended for an after paddle meal anytime.
SUMLIME HEALTH CLUB TORQUAY SAUNA/SPA BY THE BEACH
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SHUTTLE BUS
Wave Rider shuttle bus with trailer has been organised to ferry paddlers to the start line on the morning of the race. Book through Pete at Wave Rider on 0459 149 447. Limited places. Bus will pick up at Barwon Heads (Torquay if the race is reversed) on the morning of the race and transfer to the start line. Cost $15 per paddler, paid in advance or on the day. Craft must be loaded by 8.30am for an 8.40am departure |
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Torquay to Barwon Heads Ocean Paddle Race
1. Participants:
Each entrant, regardless of whether paddling singles, doubles or in a team boat, must have an individual entry. All divisions will be open to any paddler over the age of 16 who make a declaration (guardians sign for those under the age of 18) attesting to their swimming and paddling ability.
It is a condition of entry that entrants be able to swim 400 metres without rest and can remount their craft after capsize. Paddlers must also have previously paddled 18 kilometres in the ocean or bay.
2. Craft
The following types of craft are acceptable:
a. Single ski – spec or ocean ski
b. Double Ski -
c. Outrigger canoe - single and pairs
d. Sea kayak with watertight bulkheads
e. Prone paddleboards - all lengths
f. SUPs
All these craft are regarded as ‘marine safe’. They have sufficient free board, positive flotation and where necessary can seal their cockpits. Sea kayaks must have at least 5.5m waterline (LWL) and have sealed compartments in order to participate.
3. Course –
The race is scheduled to commence in front of the Torquay Yacht club, Fishermans Beach, Torquay. This is an area protected from waves and all winds except easterlies. There are no rocks or reefs close to shore.
Paddlers will progress along the coastline to Pt Impossible, passing to the left of a buoy located 500m offshore and well clear of the reef. They will then head to Barwon Heads Bluff and will round a buoy that will be placed off shore at sufficient distance to avoid breaking waves. Paddlers will then aim for the red channel marker at the river entrance. They must keep this on their left to avoid reefs and shallow water, and then through to the finish line.
In the event of adverse winds, the course may be reversed or the venue changed as per the hazard management strategy.
1. Participants:
Each entrant, regardless of whether paddling singles, doubles or in a team boat, must have an individual entry. All divisions will be open to any paddler over the age of 16 who make a declaration (guardians sign for those under the age of 18) attesting to their swimming and paddling ability.
It is a condition of entry that entrants be able to swim 400 metres without rest and can remount their craft after capsize. Paddlers must also have previously paddled 18 kilometres in the ocean or bay.
2. Craft
The following types of craft are acceptable:
a. Single ski – spec or ocean ski
b. Double Ski -
c. Outrigger canoe - single and pairs
d. Sea kayak with watertight bulkheads
e. Prone paddleboards - all lengths
f. SUPs
All these craft are regarded as ‘marine safe’. They have sufficient free board, positive flotation and where necessary can seal their cockpits. Sea kayaks must have at least 5.5m waterline (LWL) and have sealed compartments in order to participate.
3. Course –
The race is scheduled to commence in front of the Torquay Yacht club, Fishermans Beach, Torquay. This is an area protected from waves and all winds except easterlies. There are no rocks or reefs close to shore.
Paddlers will progress along the coastline to Pt Impossible, passing to the left of a buoy located 500m offshore and well clear of the reef. They will then head to Barwon Heads Bluff and will round a buoy that will be placed off shore at sufficient distance to avoid breaking waves. Paddlers will then aim for the red channel marker at the river entrance. They must keep this on their left to avoid reefs and shallow water, and then through to the finish line.
In the event of adverse winds, the course may be reversed or the venue changed as per the hazard management strategy.
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4. Alternative course
Should conditions at sea be deemed too dangerous as per the risk management plan, the alternative course of 16kms will be paddled. This will be broadcast to the entrants immediately after the decision is made. 5. Water Safety and First Aid 3x Jetskis, 1 x 7.5m rescue boat (command vessel) which will tail the field. The jetskis will patrol the seaward flank. Rescue craft will be in place and ready at 0930 hrs. Crews will attend a briefing at this time. 6. Registration and check-in This will be in Barwon Heads this year, regardless of which direction the event is paddled. All entrants will receive an email on the Thursday night before the race with detailed instructions on any variations to start times and course. 7. Communications Rescue craft will be in communication with each other and base via marine band VHF radios and will tune into a channel agreed to prior to the event. |
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8. STARTS - NEW THIS YEAR:
Starting waves will be determined by both the estimated time as listed on your entry form, and our estimate of your speed. We will aim to have approximately ten paddlers in each wave. The first start will be 9.40am and each wave will be allocated a start time that will aim to bring everyone to the finish within 20 minutes of each other. Naturally the slowest paddlers will be in the first start and the fastest paddlers in the last. |
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REVO KAYAKS
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Anytime Fitness
Join in Torquay and get access to 500 gyms Australia wide. |
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PRIZES
Two 6 month memberships to Anytime Fitness 24 hour gyms, Two $50 vouchers to Bomboras Restaurant, Complimentary entry to Gippsland Lakes paddle Challenge, Neoprene paddle pants, Specially bottled Impossible Paddle Shiraz, vouchers to Sublime Health Club, product from Vaikobi and MEEK paddles, trophies from Caseline and more. |
Paddle gear for the ocean
Keep your tools organised with a 3D routed foam case insert. Click on image for more info.
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It is a condition of entry that the above race rules are read.
Please note this part of the safety plan.
The intention is to have downwind conditions for the race. This means a south west wind or similar. If conditions are unfavourable for the Saturday, one of the following changes will take place. 1. If east or north-east winds are predicted, the race will be run in reverse. 2. If strong off-shore winds are predicted (north to north-west), the race will be delayed a day and conducted on the Sunday. This will occur if more favourable conditions are predicted. 3. If both days are predicted to be strong off-shore, the race will be contained in the Barwon River at Barwon Heads. For safety reasons, the race will not proceed in the ocean if the predicted winds are more than 15 knots off-shore. 
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EARLY BIRD ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY 17th NOVEMBER. LATE ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDNIGHT THURSDAY 20th NOVEMBER. Sorry no entries on the day unless negotiated prior. Click on the ENTER NOW button to access PV Webscorer.
ENTRY FEE: Entry prior to midnight Mon 17th November $70, after $80.
Under 19 years: $50 (early), $60 (late) Please note that an event licence of $24 for seniors and $12 for juniors will be applied for non Paddle Australia members. 
Meek paddles - for strength and high performance
Keep up to date with The Impossible Facebook page. Follow the page to receive updates.
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Remember: Orange smoke flare or red signal flare required for ocean paddling races in Victoria