Zhik 14 Beaches Ocean Race Post Event Wrap

Record Pace and Broad Participation at the 2025 PQ Zhik 14 Beaches Ocean Race.

GOLD COAST, QLD — Clear skies, clean swell, and electric energy greeted paddlers at the 2025 Zhik 14 Beaches Ocean Race, hosted by Paddle Queensland, on Saturday, August 2. Stretching 13 km along Queensland’s vibrant coastline from Southport SLSC to Burleigh Beach, the event delivered perfect downwind conditions for surf skis, outriggers, and SUPs.

A highly competitive and diverse field saw representation from juniors, masters, mixed crews, and elite paddlers across multiple craft types. More than just a race, the Zhik 14 Beaches was a celebration of ocean culture, community, and performance.

Line Honours
Overall SS-1 Male Winner: Cory Hill — 48:46.7
“My favourite part about the race was the competition up the front end. Racing on the Gold Coast is always so competitive. It was also a pleasant surprise to have the wind when it was not predicted to be as good. Lots of happy faces at the finish line due to this.” Cory Hill.

Overall SS-1 Female Winner: Kate Regan — 59:08.8
“The 14 beaches race would have to be one of my favourites. Starting with the runs straight away and having a downwind the whole way makes it so much fun, and I always love paddling locally on the Gold Coast. The downwind conditions this year were such a welcome surprise and made the whole race very enjoyable. This was also my first overall female ski win which made it a very memorable race!” Kate Regan.

Overall SUP Winner: Clint Jensen — 1:29:40.1
“My favourite part of the race was about two-thirds of the way to Burleigh. From the start, I had a guy giving up his Saturday afternoon to follow me on a Jet Ski. He stayed about 100 metres behind me, speeding up when I was on runners and slowing down when I wasn’t.

At the two-thirds mark, I decided to look back and see who was kindly donating their time to support my effort. As soon as I looked around, he gave me a big thumbs up and called out, “You’re doing amazing, keep it up!” I’d like to thank that man for making that the most memorable moment of the race.” Clint Jensen.

Race Highlights
• Two 13 km downwind courses optimised for conditions, safety and thrill: Northerly winds Southport SLSC to Burleigh Beach, Southerly winds Rainbow Bay SLSC to Burleigh Beach.
• Structured safety protocols included hi-vis PFDs, GPS tracking via Webscorer, mobile phones, and strict leash compliance—underpinned by one of the most comprehensive water safety teams assembled for an ocean race in Queensland.
• Three-wave start accommodated SUPs and OCs, Female skis, Mixed double and Male skis—ensuring clean water and fair competition for all entrants.
• Presentation and community engagement capped off the event at Justin Park, with medals, stubby coolers, stories, and stoke shared by all.

“Just wanted to say Thank You for hosting a great event. You even turned on beautiful weather on the day.
It was my daughters first time paddling in a timed race and she loved it. Always good to get a teenager’s tick of approval”.

Michelle FarringtonMother of Female SLSA-1 Junior Winner Zarah Farrington.

Safety Partners
Safety on and off the water was made possible through a coordinated effort from:
Marine Rescue Queensland, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Australian Coast Guard, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Southport, Nobby’s Beach and North Burleigh SLSCs, City of Gold Coast Lifeguards, Gold Coast Paddlesports and Mr Paramedic.
Their presence ensured rapid response capability and complete coverage of the course from start to finish.

Zhik: Technical Apparel Partner
Zhik, the naming sponsor, not only outfitted every entrant with a structured sports cap but also showcased its high-performance paddlewear designed for sun protection, mobility, and endurance.
“The 14 Beaches Ocean Race is where performance meets passion,” said Johnny Rodgers, Head of Marketing/Partnerships & Global Sponsorship Manager for Zhik. “We’re proud to stand with the paddling community—from elite athletes to first-timers—and deliver gear that rises to the occasion.”

Paddle Australia Ocean Racing Technical Committee Chair James Tompkins OLY said ‘What a great event run by Paddle Qld, perfect weather and location for an outstanding celebration of the ocean. It has always been PA’s goal for the state bodies to run quality events which complement the existing private events. Paddle QLD have set the standard for events… ready for the other states to follow and broaden out the Ocean Racing calendar. Great job PQ’’

Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said “Events like this build connection—from coastline to competition, The 14 Beaches isn’t just a race – it’s a milestone in the national paddling calendar and it purposefully brings our paddlesports community and broader ecosystem together”