The skill of seasoned veteran Tim Altman was enough to claim quickest time on Saturday’s Impossible Ocean Paddle, despite Torquay SLSC champion Matt Gilling taking out the open division crown.

Seventy paddlers, skiers and SUP boarders gathered at Fisherman’s Beach in less-than-ideal conditions for the eighth Impossible Ocean Paddle.

Lead organiser Pete Currie said the race’s condition set the stage for a contest of skill as opposed to fitness, with a southerly wind testing participants’ technical abilities.

“A great day overall, but the southerly wind was largely side-on to the paddlers, particularly the section of the race from Point Impossible to Barwon Heads,” Mr Currie said.

“Where possible, ocean paddling races are run downwind to ensure fast times, meaning competitors on surf skis can reach speeds of 20 kilometres per hour catching the off-shore swells when the wind is behind them.

Mr Currie added there were a few noteworthy inclusions in the 2022 edition of the race.

For the first time, the Impossible Ocean Paddle hosted a competitor from England.

Amy Daysh from Devon comfortably won the women’s open ski event, and for the first time a coastal rowing pair were among the ranks as well.

Continue reading Surf Coast Times story here.

Image: The field of 60 skiers await instructions from lead organiser Pete Currie.