Set to take place as part of the upcoming Vaikobi 14 Beaches Ocean Race weekend, the 2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Ocean Racing Championships will see talented paddlers come together from August 2-4 to battle it out for the title.
Taking place on the Gold Coast, the prestigious event will take paddlers downwind from Kurrawa to Bilinga in less than two and a half hours.
One of the most successful and decorated athletes in the sport of Ocean Racing, Cory Hill is a household name for many within the discipline, and is excited for the upcoming event.
After initially training as an Ironman and qualifying multiple times for the professional Nutri-Grain Ironman Series, Hill switched his focus to surfski paddling, the fastest of the Ocean Racing boats.
“I originally started paddling as surf life saving’s Ironman interested me. I ultimately placed second at the Coolangatta Gold in 2010 and just fell in love with long distance races,” said Hill.
“After that I booked a trip to Hong Kong and Dubai for some races with my good friend Michael Booth – we did pretty well and I haven’t looked back since.
“I love that Ocean Racing allows you to travel the world, meet new people, paddle in different conditions and just enjoy the sport with like minded people,” he said.
With multiple impressive results under his belt over his long career, Hill will always credit his first major win as his inspiration to continue striving for more.
“For me, winning Molokai in 2015 was very memorable,” said Hill.
“Up until that moment, I was always satisfied with a top five placing, but winning what I saw as one of the most challenging races in Ocean Racing changed my mentality instantly.
“The feeling of winning was so rewarding and there was so much self-belief that came with it. I now back my ability and go into races knowing what I have done in training just needs to be replicated in a race in order to win,” he said.
Hill’s love for the sport has always centred around the ocean and its paddling community.
“I just love being on the ocean – I am an accountant by trade and feel that being out there grounds me a little,” he said.
“I love my job but I don’t love being behind a screen all day, and paddling breaks it up nicely.
“I also love the tight community in Ocean Racing. It is quite unique that you can have the elites line up alongside someone who just wants to complete the race. I think the sport is very cool in that regard.
An incredible advocate for the sport of Ocean Racing, Hill could not recommend paddling more, and is looking forward to seeing masses of competitors on the start line for the Paddle Australia Canoe Ocean Racing Championships.
“There is something about being a couple of kilometres offshore with some of your mates chasing runs which is great for you,” said Hill.
“It creates such a healthy lifestyle, but is also challenging and extremely fun, plus the races are amazing and you can find them all around the world.
“Go get yourself a surfski and we will see you on the water!”
Entries for the 2024 Paddle Australia Canoe Ocean Racing Championships are now open, with standard entries set to close on Sunday 28 July before late entries close on Wednesday 31 July.
To find out more or register, click here.
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