Paddle Power Shines in Hervey Bay at 2025 Fraser Coast Paddlefest
Hervey Bay, QLD – The 2025 Fraser Coast Paddlefest drew paddlers from across Queensland for two days of downwind racing, community celebration, and coastal action on the waters of Hervey Bay.
Held on September 12 and 13, the event featured two premier ocean races — the Zhik Hervey Bay Ocean Classic and the Zhik Paddle Queensland Ocean Racing Championship — delivering thrilling competition in near-ideal conditions.
Friday’s Ocean Classic (10 km) launched from the Hervey Bay Surf Club and finished at Eli Creek, offering a fast-moving course with moderate tailwinds and clean swell. Saturday’s Championship race (18 km) from River Heads to Urangan Boat Harbour challenged paddlers with distance and tide shifts, but many riders capitalised on open-ocean runs to deliver strong times.
Top Results:
Jack Patel dominated the men’s field across both events, claiming the overall win in Saturday’s long course with a time of 1:17:52.
Abbey Carter proved unbeatable in the women’s division, crossing Saturday’s finish line in 1:22:51, following a strong showing in Friday’s event as well.
In the OC6 division, Fraser Coast Outrigger Canoe Club represented the home region proudly, finishing in 1:26:07 on the 18 km course.
Other age and craft category winners included Jason Matthews (SKI 50+), Greg Powell (SKI 60+), and Danielle Appi (SKI 50+ female).
Safety on and off the water was made possible through a coordinated effort from Marine Rescue Hervey Bay and the Hervey Bay Sailing Club.
Results, Media and Socials
2025 PQ Zhik Hervey Bay Ocean Classic Results
2025 PQ Zhik Ocean Racing Champs Results
Paddlewear by Zhik: zhik.com/au/paddle
Media Contact:
Scott Sharples, Event Director
0414 960 728. eo.qld@paddle.org.au
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