FENN and EPIC have both come onboard as principle sponsors and have offered their support for the 5 race Middle East Long Distance Race Series run over the 08/09 winter period, with each event being a 20-30km ocean race being run as a downwind race if conditions permit.

The Series is to help promote long distance racing in the Middle East and help local paddlers prepare for long distance races in overseas locations and raise the profile of our sport and gain new paddlers in the UAE and Oman. 
 
Below are the dates and events that are planned to be included in the series.

Dubai Shamaal: 2nd December, 2008
Dibba Beach: Friday 23rd January, 2009
Muscat: Fri/Sat 6/7 February, 2009
Musandam, Ali Maynard Classic: Fri/Sat 27/28 March, 2009
Abu Dhabi:  Friday 24th April, 2009

Series results will be calculated from the best 4 place finishes out of the 5 race series (Worst result to be dropped)

An area to camp will be available for races in Muscat and Musandam as well as Hotel Accommodation.

A trailer to help transport skis will be available if required from Dubai.

PFDs and leashes will be mandatory in all races. 

Race safety disclaimer to be signed by all competitors prior to each race. 

Onus is on each paddler to self assess if they are fit and able enough to complete each race as a Safety boat will not be available for all races.

Races which have no supporting safety boats will have a 2 stage start. To help maintain a closer field for safety the slower half of the field will start 15-30min ahead of the faster paddlers, this is not a handicap event and times will be adjusted, it is a means of keeping the field closer together in case any paddler gets into trouble.

Fenn and Epic have generously offered the overall series winning paddler free use of a Fenn or Epic ski at an overseas race of your choice.  

Race Categories Eligible for prize money (5000 Dirham’s cash pool) + trophy

Men's Singles 
Women's Singles
Doubles (Not eligible for prize money but will receive trophy)

All paddlers who compete in a minimum of 3 races will be eligible for the random prizes drawn from the prize pool.

There are a number of double ski's that will be available for hire for each event at a nominal rate to help encourage members who are unsure about completing the distance in a single ski to team up with another member. Please contact myself or Gavin Mumberson in advance if you interested in hiring a double ski.
 
Please follow the link to the Discuss Online Forum for latest race information.

Series Coordinator

Colin Campbell       050 2892743