What started as a race organised by recent South African arrivals has turned into an international race that is on the list of all European Surfski paddlers. The Eurochallenge, is fast becoming the mecca of European surfski paddling, where paddlers arrive in force to start their surfski season after winter training. But where exactly is La Vila Joiosa? and what is the history of the race? Surfski Life speaks to Juan Gordero about the Eurochallenge Race to answer these questions!
Can you introduce yourself? and where is the race location?
My name is Juan Gordero, member of the organizing committee of the Eurochallenge race. The race is in La Vila Joiosa, a Spanish town on the Mediterranean coast. It is located between Alicante (with international airport) and the famous tourist city of Benidorm. The club that organizes the race is the Club Nàutic La Vila Joiosa.
Can you give somebackground to the Eurochallenge race.
The first Eurochallenge was in May 2009. It all starteed when a South African couple, John and Violeta came to our town. Being from South Africa ocean racing was already well established, but not yet here in Europe.
Coincidently the year before that, in 2008 Dawid Mocke visited our club and it was he himself who proposed holding an international surfski race in La Vila Joiosa. Just one year later, the Eurochallenge was the first international race in Europe. In those days, the races were in places like Perth, Durban, Cape Town, San Francisco… and La Vila Joiosa.
In that 1st year the Eurochallenge winners were Matt Bouman in the senior men and Michelle Eray in the senior women. Then in 2010 Dawid Mocke won and followed by Sean Rice, all from South Africa. As for the women, Nickki Mocke won the race in 2010. Chloe Bunnet and Amaia Osaba have all won several times since.
Can you describe the race format?
The race is a downwind race. In recent years the start is always from La Vila Joiosa and the finish line can be in Campello (18KM) or Altea (22KM). This depends on the wind at the time of the competition. The race is divided into the following categories: junior, under-23, senior and master.
There are paddlers of all levels at the Eurochallenge. It is important that the level is high to compete in a downwind race, but there are top level paddlers and paddlers who compete for fun. Everyone is welcome at the Eurochallenge.
Why should we come and race there?
The Eurochallenge is a race that every paddler should compete once in their life. The healthy atmosphere of the sport those days is intense. You meet people from many parts of the world with whom you share technique, experiences, training, beers…and party, of course!
I encourage you to make the Eurochallenge part of your calendar every year!
How can the paddlers register?
For paddlers who want to register they can do so with this link!
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