Australia's Best Downwind Run: Twelve Towers Ocean Race

The 2016 Twelve Towers Ocean SUP Race is going to be massive this year!
The 12 Towers Ocean SUP and prone paddle race is back for it's fifth year in a row, and this year it once again will feature not one, but two events to encourage all paddlers to enter!

Get yourself to the Gold Coast on the 27th and 28th of February, and join the worlds best in one of Australia's most iconic ocean paddles in some of the best downwind conditions you'll find anywhere. The main attraction, a 14km grueling ocean paddle from Kirra to Burleigh (or the other way 'round if the Seabreeze blows in), will pass twelve of the famous Gold Coast lifeguard towers, before a beach run up the white sand at Burleigh.

If you're not into 14km worth of downwind heaven, then maybe the 5km short course is for you? The (quite literally) world famous Currumbin to Burleigh downwinder will also be turned into a mini race, for paddlers with a little less experience. Open to stand up paddlers only, and all ages and skill levels are encouraged to enter!

Returning champ from 2014 - Titouan Puyo missed out in 2015 (a pesky cyclone got in his way) but will be back this year to defend the Twelve Towers title. But he won't have an easy run, because hot on his heels will be local paddlers Beau O'Brian, Michael Booth and Matt Nottage - all keen to have their names engraved atop the magnificent Twelve Towers Trophy.

Ready for her fourth straight win, Karla Gilbert is back in 2016. She's stood atop the podium three times before, and with her current track record is in great standings to win this year. She'll be chased down by (or chasing) Terrene Black and Tracey Mouque, plus the international girls who have heard about the race and are keen to join in on the action.

Check out their website for more information, and get down there to watch it live if you can. The 2016 Twelve Towers Ocean SUP Race is going to be massive this year!

What: Twelve Towers Ocean SUP Race When: 27th & 28th February 2016 Where: Kirra, QLD Entry and info: www.12towers.com