Australia’s largest outrigger event, Gatorade Battle of the Paddles, made a huge splash on Hamilton Island from 14 – 18 June 2012.

Formerly known as the Hamilton Island Cup, this year will be the first time the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) have joined forces and combined their competitions.

The Gatorade Battle of the Paddles, formerly known as the Hamilton Island Cup successfully wrapped up this week.

The event, celebrating 28 years, was the biggest yet thanks to the introduction of three new disciplines including stand-up paddle boarding, board paddling and surf skiing in the competition schedule.

The grueling 42km marathon race sees surf skiers try their hand at outrigging. Battle of the Paddles is also attracting elite athletes such as Jenny Kalmbach, Hawaiian SUP champion.

Races included downwind surf ski races for junior, open and masters categories, including a special long-distance course from Lindeman Island to Hamilton Island’s Catseye Bay. Also included were Sprint Stand-Up (SUP) courses for junior, open and masters categories, the infamous 42km Hamilton Cup outrigger marathon and much more.

Over 600 paddlers took part in the event taking home $90,000 worth of cash and prizes.