The Antigua & Barbuda Canoe Federation (aka A+B Canoe Racing Association or ABCRA) is pleased to participate in the 2010 Caribbean Surfski Tour.  It's a surfski kayak competition comprised of three challenges. The Antigua race is called The Carib Downwind Challenge.

Race One is the Soualiga Challenge, Oct. 17th, a 25km race from St. Barths to St. Maarten.  Race two is The The Carib Downwind Challenge, Oct. 20th; a 26km race which begins at Half Moon Bay and finishes at Turners Beach, in Antigua. Race three is the Karukera Challenge, 20km off the south coast of Guadeloupe.

Local members of ABCRA have been preparing for the upcoming challenge here in Antigua. The conditions of the water for the challenge are anticipated to be a steady 15-knot wind presenting 1.5m swells.  Race competitors travel close to shore, so spectators at chosen vantage points will enjoy exciting racing.  These factors make Antigua optimal for world class racing. Antigua & Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) will be on location and ready for any emergency situations.

See what's written in Wikipedia about surf skis:

Typically 5-6.5m (16½-21ft) long and only 40-50 cm (16-20") wide, surf skis are extremely fast when paddled on flat water (only an Olympic K1 or K2 kayak is faster) and the fastest paddled craft available over a long distance on ocean swells.

Surf skis are used worldwide for surf lifesaving, surf kayaking and for training and competition on flat-water or ocean (downwind) racing. They are most popular in warmer coastal regions such as Australia, California, Hawaii, and South Africa, as paddling a surf ski inevitably involves contact with the water.

The spec ski is used in surf lifesaving competitions all over the world including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and in Europe. Since its introduction, surf ski racing has been managed by the International Life Saving Federation.

Race Details:

• 10AM start: 26KM from Halfmoon Bay to Turners Beach
• 10:15AM start: Short course, Galleon Beach to Turners Beach

The entry fee is US$60, and all competitors get a FREE dinner and ticket to the 2010.2010@20.10 Prizegiving Party at Johnny Coconats.  The competition should end between 11:30AM and 2PM. Come and meet some international athletes!  Check out www.caribbeansurfski.com to learn more about surf ski.