Oceanpaddler Director Dean Gardiner, along with Financial Services provider Shaw and Partners Co-CEO Earl Evans have together announced the cash pools on offer to competitors in the Perth Doctor and 20 Beaches competitions at a gala dinner held at the Halekulani Hotel in Hawaii overnight. The announcement comes off the back of Shaw and Partners’ recent re-signing of the Australian Ocean Racing Series (AORS) sponsorship for a further two years as naming rights headline partner. The juiced up cash pool positions the AORS as the richest ocean series globally; with $75k in the kitty for the 20 Beaches race and $50k for the Perth Doctor.

“We are thrilled to announce an equal cash incentive of $10k for the winner of the men’s open and the same amount for the women’s open, across both the Doctor and 20 Beaches races,” Earl said. “By offering an equal prize pool for men and women alike, [financial services firm Shaw and Partners] aims to create a dynamic and supportive network within the AORS through engagement, empowerment and support.”

Shaw and Partners Financial Services hopes that it’s extension of financial support will draw talent from far and wide, bringing the very best ocean athletes to these events.  “We are looking forward to continuing to play a very active part in a sport that continues to grow in popularity across Australia and internationally,” Earl added.

A feature event on the global paddling circuit, the Perth Doctor is a 26-kilometre ocean crossing from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia. The location is ideal for ocean paddling as the afternoon sea breeze blows in a direction and strength that creates steep, workable chop and swell for the sleek ocean racing craft to surf.

The 20 Beaches Ocean Classic is one of the most iconic Ocean Paddling races in Australia, since it was first held in 1990. Traditionally raced from Manly to Palm Beach in a Southerly or Palm Beach to Manly in a North Easterly, the 20 Beaches Ocean Classic has attracted the cream of Australia’s best Ocean Paddlers, who vie to hold up the coveted Steve Wood Trophy. After a hiatus, the 20 Beaches race returns to the paddling event calendar in December 2018.

“Held just two weeks apart we will expect to see everyone that can sit on a ski on the line at these two events; vying for their shot at the $10k and the winner’s title”, said Oceanpaddler Director Dean Gardiner.

Further to the announcement of the prize pool cash incentives, Co-CEO Earl Evans launched an additional layer to the AORS series which will take place ahead of the Perth Doctor race in November this year. Elite paddlers will receive an invitation only opportunity to participate in a “best of three” short course sprint race in the Shaw and Partners Dash for Cash. Further details to follow on this announcement shortly.

Across its numerous community endeavours, Shaw and Partners adopts a focus on empowering and supporting rising talent by providing a framework for them to succeed in their respective fields and pursuits.