Paddle Bucket List | Breizh Ocean Race

on August 8, 2023

Welcome to the Breizh Ocean Race an iconic race that takes place on the North Coast of Finistere, France. This is a race that defines this part of the world. Finistere or Penn-ar-bed is the end of the land, buffeted by Atlantic swells and winds. The orientation of the land means that where ever you are, you are likely to find world class paddle conditions, downwinds, or also perfectly sheltered conditions!

The Breizh Ocean Race takes place each May in North Finistere, by Canoe kayak Club Brest and L’Estran Canoe Kayak. The course follows the wind, and can be run in any direction, that is the beauty of Finistere! The long distance race is up to 40 KM, and yes it is a downwind, if this is to far it can be broken down into two and shared between two paddlers as part of relay. This year the event started in Brignongan Plage in North Finistere, taking advantage of the strong easterlies, the paddlers zoomed right past the famous Ile Vierge lighthouse in Plouguerneau before finishing in Portsall. The race is open to all ocean racing crafts including Va’a and OC kayaks! This year British based paddler Tom Maison took part in the Briezh Ocean Race (BOR) and he gives Surfski life a full report of the weekends event, and why you need to put this event on your paddle bucket list! T

Hi Tom, how did you find out about the BOR?

I used to race for KMCO (Boulogne-sur-mer) in the early 2000’s and did races all over France, so I knew about the Ploudalmezeau race back in those days. I also follow the ski racing scene all over the world online and on facebook, so I have seen the race develop over the years. So we decided to take a long weekend and go to the BOR as a spur of the moment thing and combined that with collecting some skis from NK Europe, who were coming to the event.

What were your expectations of the race?

I imagined the race would be very much as it turned out, the runs were very good at times but they also slacked off at some stages with the current coming from the front, it was a great race. The area is stunning and it’s a pleasure to come and participate in an event in such a lovely place. The best thing about the race was that I was able to participate in a great and challenging race with friends and friendly like-minded strangers coupled with the challenge of completing the distance in trying conditions and taking a short holiday break.

What are the plans for 2024? Will you sign up it again?

We would like to come back, it depends on what the calendar looks like next year, our work situation and what other things are happening in the family at the time, the normal day to day stuff. Maybe I will we go to the BOR as a spur of the moment thing and combined that with collecting some skis from NK Europe, who were coming to the event.

If you are interested in entering the 2024 version head over to the page organised by L’Estran and CKCB the date has yet to be confirmed but it falls around the 3rd weekend in May! So start planning your BOR!