Namotu Challenge 2011

The Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji presented by Air Pacific

the waterman league Stand Up Paddle

The Namotu World Paddle Challenge will not only be one of the most progressive and dynamic racing events in the history of the sport, featuring both long distance and surf sprint formats, but will also be an exciting celebration of the growth and diversity of Stand Up Paddling, one of the world's fastest growing sports. What's more, the backdrop of the paradise that is Fiji will provide athletes and visitors alike with an unforgettable experience.

The event:

• A youth clinic for the underprivileged youth in Fiji to experience Ocean Sports leading to the culturally driven Opening Ceremony at the InterContinental Resort
• 19 mile downwinder from the InterContinental Hotel at Natadola Beach to Namotu Island Resort: following one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, the steady tradewinds and ideal orientation of the reef will make this one of the most beautiful downwind courses to date, not to mention the beautiful landmarks along the way, such as the infamous Cloudbreak reef
• The Namotu Surf Slalom will be a dynamic and exciting short course that will go in and out of the surf in front of the beautiful Namotu Island Resort providing both thrills and spills for the crowd, the media and the athletes themselves
• The Cloudbreak Surf Exhibition will showcase the magic that Fiji has to offer in the surf, as top athletes such as World Champion Kai Lenny, legends Dave Kalama and Robby Naish and Jamie Mitchell to mention just a few will take on one of the most beautiful waves in the world
• The Musket Cove Fun Day: after all the intense action and competition, the final day of the event will be for all the family, with fun races and relays and a party atmosphere for the closing of this spectacular event

Thanks to the support of the Waterman League Namotu Challenge's presenting sponsor Air Pacific, they are able to offer free board carriage for 12'6 boards to Fiji on all Air Pacific flights as well as a discount on the already low flights, provided that the flights are booked using the following link:  http://www.airpacific.com/worldpaddlechallenge

• Starboard NZ are arranging a Team House for the event in Musket Cove.  If you're keen to join the Starboard crew please contact Jeremy or Victoria
• Special accommodation packages are available through resort partners ranging from luxury all inclusive accommodation, to lower cost sharing options:
• For the all inclusive stays at the luxury resorts of Namotu Island and Tavarua, contact Waterways travel and quote the Paddle event to benefit from the special rates at both resorts
• For a lower cost alternative and in particular for groups, contact reservations@musketcovefiji.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and quote your participation in the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji
• For discounted stays at the InterContinental Hotel at Natadola Beach, especially for the opening weekend and start of the race, contact enquiries.fiji@interconti.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and quote the Namotu World Paddle Challenge

The Event is also supported by Fiji's favorite beer, Vonu, a beer that will be available throughout the event and in particular through all the social events and prize-givings

The entry fee for this unique event will be US$100, and this will provide athletes with VIP passes to all the social events, entry to all the races, access to the Vonu Beer benefits and much more. All entries should email entryrace@watermanleague.com stating the race, your name, where you are from and contact details. Please note, that this race will feature a stock 12'6 class given the limitations for the airlines.

For the Race to Namotu and the Surf Slalom, the board class will be 12'6, both to keep it simple, but also to take advantage of Air Pacific's partnership that allows all athletes taking part in the event to travel with a 12'6 for free. For the fun races and relays, any board can be used, from surf to tanker.

The event will open in dramatic style at the InterContinental Resort, with a special youth clinic on the Sunday morning, followed by an Official Opening Ceremony and Welcome in traditional Fijian style in the afternoon. Special rates will be available at the InterContinental, Namotu Island, Tavarua and Muskett Cove, so keep an eye on www.watermanleague.com for the latest news and information

The event will end island style, with beach festivities, music and fun, all brought to you by Vonu Beer. The Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji, presented by Air Pacific will be an event to remember and set the stage for an annual SUP pilgrimage to one of the most beautiful spots on earth. We look forward to seeing you there.

Bula!

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