Mat Edmond's take on the Crunulla Challenge

With choppy conditions and an eager start pack squeezed between the marina and baths the event quickly got underway with 134 entrants immediately battling into the strong southerly, which arrived just in time for the race! Conditions smoothed a little after several Ks with a nice partly downwind run to the Jibbon Beach mark after the first turn and then a long cross-shore slog back to Simpsons Bay.

Missing the fabled Port Hacking surf, there were still some small runs and the occasional small breaking wave to be had over the shallows, giving some lucky competitors a sling-shot forward to the next bunch before the turn cans and the second loop.

After another run to Jibbon Beach and back to Cabbage Tree Point, a nice 2km of strong choppy downwind was welcome relief for the fun run home up through Gunnamatta Bay. All up competitors new and used to the sport can surely put this race in the bag for valued experience and a heap of competitive fun! The Cronulla crew (a big thanks to the heap of volunteers) again provided a fantastic venue and course - look out next year as I hear the organisers have also now agreed to include sunshine, small surf and less headwind!

Whilst conditions on Saturday weren't conducive to fast times, there was a lot to be learnt from paddling in the windy/choppy stuff and giving those conditions a go is a credit to all paddlers and puts those people in a better position for the next session.

The Harbour Racing Series is a great opportunity for less than seasoned paddlers to experience a range of conditions in locations that you might otherwise not venture and with the support of a heap of fellow competitors and volunteers. Every race presents a different set of challenges -  no better way to develop paddling skill and confidence, and to meet a great bunch of people along the way!!

Looking forward to the next event at Paddlefest on Lake Macquarie.