THE IMPOSSIBLE
Saturday 11th November 2023
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
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Welcome to the 9th annual "Impossible Ocean Paddle Race".
2023 is a special year for ocean paddling in Australia. For the first time ever, the World Ocean Paddling Championships will be conducted in Australia (WA) during November and early December. The plan is for the Impossible to be held on November 11th which will be the perfect lead up what will prove to be the most exciting three weeks of racing we have seen in Australia. | ||
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Paddlers participating in this race have been granted approval by MARITIME SAFETY VICTORIA to exceed 5 knots when within 50 metres of other craft or fixed marine structures between Torquay and Barwon Heads. Please click the button on the right.
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Spend a few days in Melbourne right on the Yarra in Richmond. Kayak launching faciities by the back door.
The Paddlers restaurant in East Geelong.
Recomended for an after paddle meal anytime.
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Suppliers of quality safety gear to surf clubs and the ocean paddling community. Check out their PFDs, made specificlly for ocean paddling.
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 on the day. Craft must be loaded by 8.40am for an 8.45am departure |
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Torquay to Barwon Heads Ocean Paddle Race
1. Participants:
All divisions will be open to any paddler over the age of 17 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.
Start time is 09.45 am for SUPs and outriggers and three separate starts commencing 10am for skis. This will give plenty of depth over the bombora reefs offshore.
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 sand banks 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:
All divisions will be open to any paddler over the age of 17 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.
Start time is 09.45 am for SUPs and outriggers and three separate starts commencing 10am for skis. This will give plenty of depth over the bombora reefs offshore.
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 sand banks 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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Finish Line for 2023
Due to a wedding at "At The Heads", the land manager has required us to finish north of the Bridge. Paddlers will need to keep close to the left bank, pass under the bridges and finish between a flag on the bank and a buoy in the river. Time adjustments will be made for records. |
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4. Alternative course
Should conditions at sea be deemed too dangerous as per the risk management plan, the alternative course 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 0935 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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Flares you can trust
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Anytime Fitness
Join in Torquay and get access to 500 gyms Australia wide. |
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PRIZES
A night at the Amora Hotel on Bridge Rd Richmond, Two 6 month memberships to Anytime Fitness 24 hour gyms, Two ocean paddling PFDs from Surf Safety Australia, $100 voucher to Bomboras Restaurant, Two $50 vouchers to the Barwon Heads Hotel, Complimentary entry to Gippsland Lakes paddle Challenge, Surfski car roof carrier cradles valued at $110, Vouchers for Limeburners Bar, East Geelong, Specially bottled Impossible Paddle Shiraz, trophies from Caseline and more. |
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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ENTRIES FOR THE RACE ARE TO BE DONE ONLINE. EARLY BIRD ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDNIGHT MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER . LATE ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL MIDNIGHT THURSDAY 9th NOVEMBER. SORRY, NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY UNLESS NEGOTIATED BEFOREHAND. CLICK BELOW FOR ENTRY FORM.
ENTRY FEE: Entry prior to midnight Mon 6th November $90, after $100
Under 19 years: $50 (early), $60 (late) COACHING: Need some professional coaching to improve your confidence, or a familiarisation paddle over the course? Tim Altman is Victoria's most experienced coach. Check out him out here.
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