The world famous Mandurah Duel took place last weekend, and with the absence of the usual seabreeze to push paddlers downwind, it was quite an interesting (as well as gruelling) race! 

If you weren't reading the news over the last few months, the Mandurah Duel is a battle between Ocean and Estuary. Paddlers start at two points, some in the river, some out in the ocean - and finish up at a point further south, or north, depending on whether it's windy or not. Some say the ocean paddlers have an advantage, with the ever reliable Perth sea breeze kicking in and helping to blow the paddlers north up the coastline. Others say that the calmer waters of the estuary are an advantage, because paddlers could get a rhythm up and continue paddling at the same pace the whole way through. 

This year, it was Jasper Mocke who crossed the line first, and he was paddling in the ocean. First paddler from the Estuary was Derek Amy, 30mins behind! He was on a plastic ski however, so it's not really a fair call. In the Stand up paddling division, it was Travis Grant who took line honours, in the Ocean as well, proving that in most cases, a downwind run with a bit of swell is going to beat flat water repetition... 

Organisers were very happy with the turnout, saying after the event on Facebook: 
"Well another Duel is done and dusted, it's a shame the fun downwind conditions The Cut Run is famous for didn't happen but that's paddling isn't it! We hope every still had a great weekend anyway."

Competitors were stoked as well, saying the event was extremely well run by the organisers, and sponsors. Lets hope they're all back next year for another round! 

Check out the Results here

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