V&A Waterfront the venue for first race in Best4 Surfski series

Series coordinator Dawid Mocke confirmed the new venue for the traditional grading race, the first and biggest race in the Best4 Surfski series.

The race will take place on 14 October starting at 9am outside the Clock Tower. The 12km race begins at the Clock Tower, with the paddlers completing two laps through the Waterfront, out the harbour mouth towards Granger Bay and back. All paddlers, seasoned and new are invited to paddle with the world's best paddlers. Confirmed entrants so far include Simon van Gysen, Sean Rice and Dawid Mocke - all top contenders in the current world series, Mocke being the current title holder.

All paddlers are welcome

"The series is not just for the fast and fit professional paddlers. It's a great way for anyone to get fit whilst having fun on our beautiful beaches across the Peninsula with your family," says Mocke. Race organisers are conscious of the spectator and family element of the races and aim to accommodate both for the first time.

Other venues and dates in the Best4 Surfski series are: 28 October - Fish Hoek; 4 November - Blouberg; 18 November - Hout Bay; 25 November - Strand; 2 December - Long Beach (Kommetjie); 13 January - Millers Point; 20 January - Lagoon Beach (Milnerton); 27 January - Seaforth Beach (Simonstown); with the final race and series prize giving at Clifton Beach on 3 February.

Prizes are sponsored by The Paddling Centre, Brian's Kayaks, Epic Kayaks, Hansa, Stellar Kayaks, Civvio, Island Tribe, New Balance, and Butlers Pizza. For entry fees and more info visit www.surfski.co.za or www.paddlingcentre.com