World's best ocean paddlers take on The Doctor

• Ocean paddling race draws quality field on January 21
• Record 400 competitors to take part
• Australia's biggest and most successful ocean paddling event 

Some of the world's best ocean paddlers will participate in Australia's biggest and most successful surf ski and ocean paddling events this weekend.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said The Doctor had attracted a record 400 local, national and international competitors from destinations such as Hawaii, Tahiti, South Africa and Hong Kong.

"The event appeals to a wide range of competitors from elite athletes such as Australia's current Molokai champion James Mitchell and South African champion Dawid Mocke, through to recreational paddlers," Dr Hames said.

"Now in its 11th year, the event will see competitors race 27.5km from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach, crossing the Gage Roads channel and the open Indian Ocean.

"There is no other event like this in Australia, and The Doctor is one of two events globally that has the cross channel theme as the core element of the event."

The Doctor ocean padding event is part of the Doctor Festival of Paddle Sports, proudly supported by the State Government through Eventscorp.

The Minister said the festival was named after the 'Fremantle Doctor', which provided the very best ocean paddling conditions.

"As part of The Doctor Festival of Paddle Sports, the event is also being accompanied by the 14km Mandurah Duel and the 24km Finn Kayaks Coastal Challenge," he said.

"In addition, The Doctor will be part of the Multisport 7 Action and Adventure Series, a TV program partly funded by Eventscorp which showcases a variety of action-packed WA events.

"This will highlight WA's extraordinary coastline to audiences throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand."

      Fact File

• The Finn Kayaks Coastal Challenge is held on January 22
• For more information visit http://www.oceanpaddler.com/events/the-doctor/

Minister's office  - 9222 8788