On Saturday 11 December, the iconic Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches Ocean Classic marked the final race in the 2021 Ocean Racing calendar.
 
First run in 1990, the Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches Ocean Classic is the oldest ocean paddling event in #Australia. Traditionally raced from Manly to Palm Beach in a Southerly or Palm Beach to Manly in a North Easterly, the 20 Beaches Ocean Classic covers a 25 kilometre stretch and attracts the best of the World’s Ocean Surf Ski paddlers.
 
With some of the best conditions ever in the history of the event, a field of more than 360 paddlers had a day to remember. In the men’s category, Shaw and Partners brand ambassador Jackson Collins proved once again why he is one of Australia’s strongest sprint kayakers, claiming victory in 01:19:14, ahead of Shaw and Partners Race Team member Cory Hill and former Australian representative Greg Tobin.
 
In the women’s category, Jemma Smith took out the win comfortably in 01:27:46, almost 5 minutes ahead of Hannah Minogue while Brianna Massie was a further minute back in third, rounding out the women’s podium.
 
The 2022 Australian Ocean Racing Series kicks off in Sydney on the 20 February with the Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach.
 
Watch all the action of the 2021 Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches Ocean Classic in the official video produced by Ocean Culture Magazine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj560rjIvxU&feature=youtu.be

Photography by Allan Coker.