Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge 2021

The annual Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge is one of the great paddle event of the year. You have a choice of two courses, the 27km paddle from Paynesville or the 13Km paddle from Metung - both end at the Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club.

This is NOT a SUP Vic event, but one that has been actively supported by SUP Vic for many years. SUP is one of the biggest, if not the biggest categories in the race - along with surf skis, kayaks, canoes, etc.

Entry is via the Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge website. Note: Early bird entries close Sunday 4 April and all entries close 11:59pm Sunday 25 April.

Get on board and have a ball. And don't forget your booking for Saturday night dinner at the Waterwheel Beach Tavern, Lake Tyres - where all the cool kids go!

Please note the following information pertinent to SUP Vic SUP paddlers - courtesy of Sharon Bourke.

CHECK LIST For SUP ENTRIES for the GIPPSLAND LAKES PADDLE CHALLENGE!

*Please head to www.gippslandlakespaddlechallenge.com.au to enter and check the conditions required by ALL paddlers.

Below is a guide for SUP VIC members for both the sports event and the social event.

Please double check that you have everything booked and organised well in advance of the weekend!

 Pre-event training schedule.

1. Event organisers require that you have completed the distance (13 or 27kms) in a single training session prior to the event.
2. Check you have the appropriate paddle clothing for all weather conditions on the day.
3. A supply of water and food (gels) to be carried during the event. (Hydration pack rather than water bottles)
4. Arrive at starting point well in advance of starting time and have your equipment checked off by race marshals.
5. ALL paddlers to supply and wear a PFD (personal flotation device) - inflatable bum bag or standard PFD.
6. ALL paddlers to supply and wear a leg rope/leash.
7. Pre organise (days before) lift to start line.
8. Pre organise (days before) to pick up car after event at start line - buddy up with someone before event).
9. Pre organise/book your accommodation. Book ASAP as Gippsland is super busy.
10. Double check you have all your equipment/clothing/bookings organised the day before you leave, so you are not delaying other paddlers on the day of the event.

 CHECK LIST FOR THE SUP SOCIAL EVENT, to be held at the Waterwheel Beach Tavern (The Tav), located at Lake Tyers Beach - 10 minutes Sydney side of Lakes Entrance.

 Pre book Courtesy Bus and Dinner via the post that will go up on the SUP Vic Members Facebook page - posted mid-April.

1.  Bookings are essential via the FB post to receive the SUP Vic meal deal!
2. Courtesy Bus will pick up ALL booked paddlers  (at intervals) at the end of the footbridge, after presentation event, held at the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club.
3. Courtesy Bus will return you to the footbridge after dinner but please be aware the bus needs to be full to do a trip and there will be a cut off time so be aware of last trip.
4. Plenty of parking at “The Tav” if you decide to drive yourself out there.

This is a well run sports event, totally organised by volunteers, so please bring heaps of good vibes.

Thank you for participating and supporting this event.  Its heaps of FUN!!

# Oh, and if you have an #empty esky bring that along and on your way home fill it up with local Gippsland produce…..YUM!!!!