Great conditions for Round 1 of the Vaikobi / www.Heartsmart.me Ocean Series!

Round 1 of the 2013 Vaikobi/ Heartsmart.me Ocean Series was held at Dee Why Surf Club on Saturday September 14th in fantastic conditions which challenged all competitors over a 12km course in between Dee Why and Shelly Beaches.

A strong Nor Easterly had been blowing all night, which left a confused seaway for competitors to navigate around. There were still plenty of great runners to be scored for those who went hunting for them!

A strong turn out of 130 competitors faced the start line which was set offshore past the shore break, and immediately a strong pace was set by the front runners, including Tim Jacobs, Nathan Baggaley, Jim Walker, Cade Barnes and Luke O' Garey.

The lead group ripped around the course in a little under 50 minutes, with Vaikobi's very own Tim Jacobs emerging as overall winner in the Mens, closely followed by Nathan Baggaley, Jim Walker, Cade Barnes

Trudi Barnes came home as the fastest woman on the course, whilst Newport SLSC Super star of the future, Max Brooks took out the Spec ski division.

16 SUP's faced the startline for the SUP race which ran from Dee Why Beach and down to Curl Curl and return. The race was taken out by Peter Myer who kept a fast finishing Steve Morrison at bay, followed by Lee Johnson in 3rd. With more of a downwind course scheduled for future rounds of the Ocean Series, we expect to see more starters lining up in the SUP divisions.

In the OC1's, Graeme Groeneveld dominated to take out the race from Patrick Moore and Paul Boler.

All competitors wore Vaikobi's SLS approved Hi Vis Competitor vests, which helped race management keep track of competitors in the challenging conditions.

Round 2 of the Ocean Series is the King of the Reef, which will be held on September 28th. See you all there!