Seamasters

and Swedish Surfski Championships

31 july 2010

Seamasters will take place on the 31 july in Arkösund/Oxelösund, Swedish east coast, Baltic sea and is a 25 km long Ocean race open for Surf ski, Outrigger, Stand Up and Sea kayak paddlers. The race is held for the fourth time and is the first surf ski race in north Europe, now drawing paddlers from the Nordic countries as well as Europe, South Africa and America.

The race starts in the small village of Arkösund and competitors paddle outside the archipelago in ocean conditions to finish at Femöre Huvud (”Fifty Cent Head”) a former top secret cold war fortress outside Oxelösund.

Seamasters is one of several races in the Swedish Sea Racing Series, Svensk Havsracingserie including Öja Runt and SADE – Swedish Archipelago Downwind Experince. Surf ski paddling and Ocean racing is growing fast in Sweden and attracts some of the worlds best and strongest paddlers.

Spectators

Spectators will have a spectacular view of the race from the high cliffs at the Femöre Fortress. Coffe and drinks will be served in the lighthouse. When waiting to see the competitors, spectators can experience a former Top Secret Cold War Coastal Artillery Fortress including a ”nuke-safe” bunker.

Classes

Surf Ski

Long narrow sit-on-top kayaks for Ocean racing, originally from South Africa a and Australia now spreading fast as a sport all over the world. Surf ski´s are the fastest and safest kayak for open water use.The World Championship is held every year in the Molokai channel, Hawaii.

Sea Kayak

The most common kayak in Swedish waters. All types are welcome as long as they float if water filled.

Outrigger

A single hull ocean racing canoe supported by a ”ama”. Paddled with a single blade paddle. Hawaian style.

SUP

Stand up paddleboarding is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. Many cross-over athletes are training with SUP. SUPs are spotted anywhere where there is easy access to waters, as well as in the surfing lineups of the world.