Event Information

About the Event

An event for everyone that is passionate about paddling and the ocean environment The Old Woman Ocean Paddle is open to Ski’s, SUP’s, OC1 and Prone paddlers whether you are a hard core racer, looking for an aquatic challenge or want to participate with people that love the ocean and the coastal environment.

The Old Woman course starts and finishes at Mooloolaba Spit with Old Woman Island being the destination and turnaround point, a total distance of around 18km.

If that distance doesn’t fit with your experience, fitness or lifestyle then The Little Woman might be more your style! The 5km course sits within the confines of Mooloolaba bay where paddlers will complete 2 laps. Be part of the action and excitement and share your achievement back on the beach when you finish with The Old Woman paddlers.

Entry Fees

Your Old Woman Ocean Paddle Entry Fee includes:

T Shirt (The Old Woman 18km competitors only)
Race Timing and Results
Craft Race Number Sticker
Competitors Pack loaded with sponsor and local producers products.
Exciting and challenging ocean paddling experience

The Old Woman

Single Ski / Board / OC1;

Available up to 11.59pm (Qld) 5 August 2020 $78
Available 6 August 2020 – 5pm (Qld) 3 September 2020 $88

Double Skis / OC2;

Available up to 11.59pm (Qld) 5 August 2020 $125
Available 6 August 2020 – 5pm (Qld) 3 September 2020 $135

The Little Woman

Single Ski / Board only;

Available up to 11.59pm (Qld) 5 August 2020 $20
Available 6 August 2020 – 5pm (Qld) 3 September 2020 $25
Optional event T Shirt $20

Limited on the day entries may be available and will incur an additional $10 late fee.

Prizes & Awards

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category.

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Event Schedule
* Schedule subject to change

Date / Time	Activity
FRIDAY 4 SEPT.
5.00pm – 7.00pm	Check In and Late Entries – Your Mates Brewing Co.
SATURDAY 5 SEPT.
7.30am – 9.45am	Check In and Late Entries (subject to availability)
8.00am – 10.00am	Craft Scrutineering and Equipment Safety Check
10.05am	Race Briefing – The Old Woman
10.30am	Race Start – The Old Woman = Prone and SUP Paddle Boards
10.45am	Race Start – The Old Woman = Ocean, Spec Skis and OC1
11.00am	Race Briefing – The Little Woman
11.15am	Race Start – The Little Woman
02.15pm	Presentations and Awards – The Dock, Moolooaba Wharf

Paddler Safety

The safety and well being of paddlers is paramount at The Old Woman Ocean Paddle. Following is an overview of the safety protocols that will be implemented for the event. Further details will be distributed in the Paddlers Race Guide approximately 1 week prior to race day.

Subject to conditions on the day the Race Director may impose cut off times at various points on the course to ensure that paddlers safety is not compromised.

It will be compulsory for all paddlers to comply with the following:

1

Paddlers are required to attend the pre-race briefing held on the beach prior to the race start.

2

For all ski and OC1 paddlers in The Old Woman (18km) event it is mandatory for competitors to wear an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

3

For all SUP and Prone paddlers in The Old Woman (18km) event, it is mandatory for competitors to be connected to their craft at all times by leg leash.

4

Paddlers in both events (The Old Woman and The Little Woman) are required to wear Hi-Vis Clothing. This can be a Hi-Vis lifejacket or Hi-Vis top worn over your PFD.

Divisions & Categories

The Old Woman

Click on the division below to display the categories

Ocean Skis

Open Male (20 – 39)
Open Female (20 – 39)
Male 40 – 49
Female 40 – 49
Male Over 50
Female Over 50
Male 19 & under (min age 16)
Female 19 & under (min age 16)

Spec Skis

Open Male
Open Female

Double Skis

Open

14′ & Under

Open Male (20 – 39)
Open Female (20 – 39)
Male 40 – 49
Female 40 – 49
Male Over 50
Female Over 50
Male 19 & under (min age 16)
Female 19 & under (min age 16)

Unlimited

Open Male
Open Female

Unlimited Board

Open Male
Open Female

Stock Board

Open Male
Open Female

Open Male
Open Female

Category Note:

Age as at 5 September 2020
Minimum Age 16.
For prizes and awards there must be at least 5 entries in the category. Where there are less than 5 entries then those competitors will be moved to the next most relevant category.

The Little Woman

Click on the division below to display the categories

No age categories

Category Note:

Age as at 5th September 2020
Minimum Age 13.
No place getter prizes. Random draws only.

The Course

The Old Woman (18km)

From a deep water start alongside the rock wall at the Mooloolah River mouth, a great vantage point for spectators to share the race start excitement, paddlers head north hugging the coastline.

Passing the “Loo with a View” at Mooloolaba, Alex Headland, the Maroochy River bar and Twin Waters on the way to the turn point at Mudjimba, about 9kms in to the race, paddlers head out to sea and around Old Woman Island from the northern side.

From here the course heads straight back to Start / Finish line at the Mooloolaba Spit to complete the race on the beach. September is peak time for the southerly whale migration so paddlers can expect some company along the return journey!

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The Little Woman (5km)

Not as far, but just as much fun as The Old Woman course, The Little Woman journey of 5kms starts and finishes at the same points and completes 2 loops off Mooloolaba Beach. Kicking off just after The Old Woman race start this is a great opportunity for less experienced, conditioned or energetic paddlers to be part of the action.

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COVID Safe Plan

The Old Woman Ocean Paddle is compliant with the Queensland Government COVID Safe Event requirements applicable to an event of this nature.
Should the event be unable to proceed due to event restrictions imposed by authorities related to management of the COVID virus all entry fees will be refunded.
Should a registered participant be unable to attend the event due to having COVID symptoms their entry fee will be refunded.
People (including competitors, spectators, volunteers, staff or contractors) must not attend the event if they have COVID symptoms
Social distancing must be practiced at all times (1 person per 4 square meters)
Screening at the event will include identification of people that:
- In the last 14 days have travelled from overseas or a COVID-19 hotspot?
- Have been in close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19?
- Are an active COVID-19 case?
- Are currently, or have recently experienced cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath?
If any of the above apply then:
- The attendee may be asked to isolate in the nearest designated isolation space.
- The affected person may be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Entry may be refused.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Minimum age for The Old Woman is 16 as at 14th September 2019 and for The Little Woman 13 years.

Are Outrigger Canoes able to participate?

Divisions for OC1 male and female paddlers are included.

Is it possible to hire craft or other equipment for the event?

If you would like to hire a craft or other equipment for the event please contact our office by email – Info@theoldwoman.com.au

Event Ambassador

Jordan Mercer

Here’s a welcome from our event ambassador, Sunshine Coast local and 6 time Molokai to Oahu World Paddle Board Champion – "I have been lucky enough to call the Sunshine Coast home for my entire professional career."

I have covered countless kilometres paddling along the magic Sunny Coast coastline over the years. I can't wait to share The Old Woman Ocean Paddle with the ocean paddling world on Saturday the 5th of September. We invite you to come and challenge yourself in paradise!"

Event Partners

The Old Woman Ocean Paddle has opportunities for event partners to promote and activate their brands through the event. For further details please contact info@theoldwoman.com.au.