Melbourne Dwnwind Paddle "Across The Bay In A Day"

40 to 50 knot howling tail winds, chasing emerald green swells the size of small busses, screaming like schoolgirls as we surfed the 38km's home towards Sandridge Surf Lifesaving Club in Port Melbourne, and proof that Melbourne has some world-class downwind paddling!

Today in howling South Westerlies a dozen or so of us set out from Port Arlington in Melbourne for a world class downwind paddle back to Sandridge, under the watchful eyes of Jarad Kohler from www.peakadventure.com.au who runs a tight outfit. We were all carrying numerous flares, EPIRB's, marine radios, spare paddles and all other sorts of safety gear that his experienced crew regularly provide for training sessions. (ehem, although Jarad, you did manage to lock your keys in the car just before we set off...)

On days like today, most of us reading this would go to great lengths to get out on the water for a surf, but Jarad gave up his day, organized the trip, his trailer, boats, vehicles, and escorted the future-experts personally across the beautiful bay. A big thank you Jarad (and other drivers and volunteers!) for an awesome day out mate! Together with the rest of the crew from Peak Adventure you guys are doing amazing things for our sport, and I am sure that the other selfish bastards like me who just want to paddle are extremely grateful for your energy and drive!

Where's the video?!? Show me the vid!

Sorry Doug, no GoPro on my boat (yet!) but one of the boys in an OC managed o get a few frames... www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.366886...32.1368712880&type=1

So when are you guys holding an event?

Doug here is a few moving frames from the OC boys...www.facebook.com/groups/273104126066744/

or here:

www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fww...AzV9-LDqrj1S6znhKnEA

How are ya Neil? Check out www.outlawpaddling.com/ for the series results for this summer. There have pretty much been races every last thursday of the month right through summer 9with some pretty awesome prizes. last race - new SUP and paddle...Previous race, a new Stellar ski etc) and also a monthly weekend race as well.

Well will have to look at next season's events and try to make a date. But would have to work around the WA January events?

What is the weather history of the downwind events? Reliable? or fickle like Sydney's '12 season?

Is the 'across the bay in a day' on again in 2013?
I'd be keen..

Yeap, any news? I'm sure it would be a great event!

G'day,
The 'Across The Bay In A Day' event I think has been displaced by the Flinders Downwinder: www.peakadventure.com.au/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=223

CLick on the EVENTS link on the www.peakadventure.com website, and the full list is here. This weekend is the Great Ocean Downwind race that is one not to be missed!