By Press Release

Queensland's Gold Coast Set To Host Hennessey’s International Paddleboard Championships

 
Attached Complimentary Image: Professional paddleboarder Jamie Mitchell (Queensland, AUS) will be looking to reinforce his status as the world's best paddleboarder at the Hennessey's International Paddleboarding Championship.

(Monday - 17th July, 2006): Queensland’s Gold Coast is poised to host an international paddleboard event, The Hennessey’s International Paddleboard Championships, a 17km (10.55mile) open-ocean near shore race, on Saturday October 28, 2006.

Starting at the Southport Sea Way (Gold Coast) following the coast south and finishing at the famous Burleigh Heads, over 250 of the world’s top competitors hailing from across the U.S, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand and Australia will battle it out in unlimited, stock and Wahine divisions for an astounding $surf,000 AUD in prize money.

What’s more, top finishers from Team California, Team Hawaii, Team New Zealand and Team Australia will accumulate points for an overall Team World Champion.

Professional paddleboarder and Quiksilver Edition sponsored big-wave surfer, Jamie Mitchell (Burleigh Heads, AUS), will be looking to reinforce his status as the world’s top paddleboarder by maintaining his undefeated streak in major races over the past 5 years.

Crowned the Quiksilver Edition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Champion an unheralded four-consecutive times, Mitchell has his sights firmly fixed on racking-up yet another international victory - This time on his home beach of Burleigh Heads - Queensland, Australia.

“It’s great to hear news of an international paddleboard championships in Australia. The championships is going to attract a really strong field of paddlers from California and Hawaii. Hopefully, I can come away with a win!” explained Mitchell.

Twenty-nine year old Mitchell, in his busiest year to date, will head to Hawaii in late June in preparation for the defense of his prestigious Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Title. From there, he’ll compete in numerous professional paddleboard events throughout the U.S, before traveling throughout Europe on a well-deserved holiday.

“My preparation for the event won’t be as planned. I’ve scheduled in a little holiday leading into the championships, but hopefully I’ll be fit enough to take out the inaugural title,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell’s quest for glory is expected to endure strong opposition from California’s Ryan Addison, Hawaii’s Brian Rocheleau and a host of budding local talent.

“It’s only a fairly new sport in Australia, but we definitely have the talent here to mix-it-up with the rest of the world. Team Australia will be right-up there in the overall finishers.”

1997 Molokai to Oahu Paddle Paddleboard Champion and seasoned campaigner, Mick Dibetta (Burleigh Heads – Queensland, AUS), is on track to compete after suffering a serious knee injury that has hampered his '06 training schedule.

“The rehabilitation on my knee is coming along really well. My doctor has given me the all clear to start paddling, so I should be there come October,” said a positive Dibetta.

Dibetta is optimistic about his chances of winning, suggesting, “ If I’m able to get to my knees – I’ll be there to win.”

Race Charmain, Tim Ritter believes, "The Hennessey's International Paddleboard Championships is the one race that brings all of the world's best paddlers together."

Similarly, Paul Hennessy from Hennesey’s Tavern’s of California, said “We are pleased that we can bring this event to Burleigh Heads, Australia.”

Fittingly, in race tradition of Hennessey’s Taverns an awards banquet and dinner will follow the race complete with live entertainment, awards ceremony, dinner and raffle.

The Hennessey’s International Paddleboard Championships is proudly presented by Hennessey’s Paddleboard Festivals.

For more event information please visit:

www.hennesseyspaddleboarding.net , or www.surfingqueensland.com.au