The Shaw and Partners Forster Ocean Classic is fast becoming one of the favourite appointments in the Shaw and Partners Australian Ocean Racing Series calendar.

Last week, over 200 paddlers converged from around Australia to Forster Main Beach to compete in two challenging races, all vying for their slice of the $25,000 prize pool.

Highlights of the three-day festivities included complimentary training clinics with the ocean’s elite athletes, a three-course dinner presented by Shaw and Partners whereby the $25 paid by guests to attend the evening was all donated to Gotcha4Life Foundation, the Shaw and Partners Nine Mile Cup – a 13km race from Forster Beach to Blackhead – and the Shaw and Partners Forster Ocean Classic, a gruelling 20km race from Elizabeth Beach to Forster Beach. 

Shaw and Partners Race Team member Cory Hill completed the double in his ocean ski by winning the challenging Shaw and Partners Forster Ocean Classic on Saturday 23 April. The previous day he took out the Nine Mile challenge from Black Head to Forster Main.

Hill dominated the 20km race, crossing the finishing line in 1h31m39s, nearly two minutes in front of second place, Shaw and Partners Race Team member Michael Booth (1h33m24s), and Tom Norton third (1h33m55s).

Shaw and Partners Brand Ambassador Jemma Smith was the star of the show in the women's race, defending her 2021 win in the Forster Ocean Classic with a start to finish dominance.

Smith completed the 20km journey in 1h46m.24s. Hanna Minogue came in second with Shaw and Partners Brand Ambassador Hannah Sculley third.

Nine Mile winner, Shaw and Partners Race Team member Danielle McKenzie, withdrew from the race earlier in morning due to illness.

Shaw and Partners Brand Ambassadors and power couple Georgia Miller and Riley Fitzsimmons competed in the Nine Mile challenge the previous day both finishing in third place in their respective categories..

Shaw and Partners extends a huge congratulations to all competing athletes and looks forward to the inaugural Shaw and Partners Hells Gate 38, being round four of the Australian Ocean Racing Series in Noosa, QLD taking place on Saturday 4th June 2022.

For more information on the Shaw and Partners Hells Gate 38 please visit https://www.hellsgates38.com.au