EIGHTY six competitors on 54 craft, from 10 years old to 65, competed in the inaugural SunSmart Busselton Jetty Paddle on Sunday.
The highlight of the event was the seven kilometre surfski competition between Avon Descent winners Brett McDonald and Matthew Coutts with only half a metre and one second separating them at the finish, taking 33 minutes to round the jetty twice.
Adam Fahey won the seven kilometre Stand Up Paddle Board category in 48 minutes with Darren Hope second in 57 minutes, while Shane O’Laughlin won the seven kilometre kayak race.
Mark Aughton was first in the 3.6 kilometre kayak in 33 minutes, Tim Calder won the 3.6 kilometre SUP competition in 32 minutes, and Kurt Linardi won the surfski 3.6 kilometre course in 20 minutes.
Best dressed went to 11 year old Damon Clift and his father David who dressed as Vikings for the seven kilometre course in a double surfski with special commendation to 10 year old Alannah Yuen who competed in the 3.6 kilometre kayak event with her father Tim.
It is hoped the paddle, sponsored by the City of Busselton, Healthway and run by the Busselton Jetty committee, will become an annual event.
Volunteer Jetty Hosts, Busselton Surf Life Saving Club and Marine Sea Rescue helped make the event a huge success.
