It might be a little tricky to say for those of used to the phrase "Battle of the Paddle". But the Paddle to Battle MS had more than just it's tricky name to deal with!

In the name of charity, anything goes, so when the paddlers said they're happy to charge out through the 4-6 foot swell at Collaroy Beach in Sydney. Who were the organisers to argue! 

MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other effectively. It's one of the most heavily fundraised diseases around, with good reason! It's effects are terrible and nobody would deny that a cure needs to be found. 

In paddling though the mess, stand up paddlers raised $26,000 for MS research. Incredibly, Gold coaster Beau O'Brien donated half his prize money to the cause as well, despite spending a considerable amount of his own cash to get down to Sydney in the first place! 

Speaking of which, the guy who some are calling 'Starboards most underrated paddler' put on a magnificent show getting out through the swell. Not only that but he negotiated his way back in through the hoards of paddlers who'd lost boards, paddles or just plain couldn't get out through the swell. 

Terrene Black also managed a similar feat in the women's fleet. For the girls to get out there was really something. The crowd loved it and you can expect to see a heap more footage from the event over the next few days. 

Thanks to all the paddlers who made the effort to come down to Sydney for the event, and to everyone who donated to MS research! Check out the video and event results below. 




Men’s Open Elite:
1. Beau O’Brian
2. Jake Jensen
3. Toby Cracknell
4. Paul Jackson
5. Ben Brown
6. Dane Hurst
7. Riggs Napoleon
8. Troy Pease
9. Brad Gaul
10. Charles Domin
11. Dave Kissane
12. Kai Bates
13. Steve Morrison
14. Stuart Murray

Women’s Open Elite:
1. Terrene Black
2. Neelie Brown
3. Petra Sohier
4. Sondra Purser
5. Elyse Comerford

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