Shaw and Partners Financial Services WA Race Week – $240,000 Prize Pool, World-Class Athletes, and Record Attendance

MEDIA ALERT: For Immediate Release

The 11^th running of the Shaw and Partners Financial Services WA Race Week returns to Perth (23-30 November) with an impressive $240,000 prize pool and an action-packed schedule, featuring over 1,000 competitors from around the world, including Olympians, world champions, and Australia’s top surf lifesaving athletes. This year’s event will also host Australia’s largest-ever Nipper Clinic, where more than 600 young surf lifesavers will have the unique opportunity to train with legends of the sport.

Shaw and Partners Nipper Clinic – Meet the Legends

On Sunday, 24 November at 9am, Sorrento Beach will host the largest Nipper Clinic in Australia, where young athletes will gain hands-on training and inspiration from some of the biggest names in surf lifesaving and ocean racing, including:

• Ali Day – Ironman champion and 10-time Coolangatta Gold winner
• Lana Rogers – Three-time Australian Ironwoman champion
• Matt Bevilacqua – Ironman champion celebrated for his speed and endurance
• Bella Williams – Rising star in surf sports
• Cory Taylor – Ocean racing competitor
• Georgia Miller – Multiple-time Australian champion in surf lifesaving
• Riley Fitzsimmons – Dual Olympian and 2024 Olympic silver medallist
• Hannah Sculley – Elite surf lifesaver
• Jake Morris – Talented surf lifesaving competitor
• Piper Harrison – Emerging star in surf lifesaving
• Kendrick Louis – Accomplished Ironman competitor
• Jemma Smith – Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold winner
• Cory Hill – Two-time world champion in ocean paddling
• Michael Booth – Local paddling powerhouse
• Joe Collins – Known for his skill and power in ocean racing

About the Shaw and Partners Doctor

The highlight of the week, The Doctor, is a 27-kilometre downwind race from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach that challenges competitors to harness the power of the Indian Ocean’s winds and waves. With $45,000 in cash and prizes, The Doctor is the ultimate test for elite paddlers and a highlight for spectators.

Key Athletes Competing in Shaw and Partners WA Race Week:

• Tom Norton – Defending WA Race Week Champion (2023), celebrated for his resilience and strategic racing.
• Jemma Smith – 2024 Coolangatta Gold winner, known for her stamina and versatility across events.
• Jackson Collins – 2024 Olympic silver medallist in the K4 500m, bringing precision and speed to the field.
• Riley Fitzsimmons – Dual Olympian and part of Australia’s 2024 silver-medal K4 500m team.
• Cory Hill – Two-time world champion in ocean paddling, a downwind racing specialist.
• Hank McGregor – South African paddling legend with multiple world titles.
• Michael Booth – Local powerhouse known for his strength and ocean racing expertise.
• Matt Bevilacqua – Renowned Ironman with a reputation for tactical acumen and endurance.

 Key Events for Shaw and Partners WA Race Week:

1. Fenn West Coast Downwinder – 24km, Saturday, 23 November
   Opening the week, this race offers $18,000 in prizes.
2. Shaw and Partners & Race One Surfcraft Nipper Clinic – Sunday, 24 November
   Australia’s largest Nipper Clinic, with over 600 young surf lifesavers training with top athletes.
3. Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series (Race 2) – 11km, Tuesday, 26 November
   A competitive downwind race with $5,000 in prizes.
4. Race One Twilight Paddleboard Dash – 2km, Wednesday, 27 November
   An exciting sprint from Watermans to Sorrento, featuring $15,000 in prizes and a $20,000 Surf Club Draw.
5. Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series (Race 3) – 11km, Thursday, 28 November
   Another downwind challenge with $5,000 in prizes.
6. Shaw and Partners Dash for Cash – Friday, 29 November
   A head-to-head sprint race with a $15,000 prize pool.
7. The Doctor – 27km, Saturday, 30 November
   The grand finale, featuring a $45,000 prize, with athletes tackling the iconic Rottnest-to-Sorrento course.

Event Hub at Sorrento Beach SLSC

The Sorrento Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be the social heart of WA Race Week, with live entertainment, social events, and activities, creating an ideal atmosphere for fans.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

David Tasker
T: +61 433 112 936
E: [email protected]

Website: https://oceanpaddler.com/ocean-events/wa-race-week/

Link to promo video to Shaw and Partners WA Race Week 2024: https://youtu.be/leOwUOT0kHU?si=frJMQ0F8BjFyJNU6

With record-breaking attendance, the largest Nipper Clinic in Australia, and a world-class prize pool, Shaw and Partners WA Race Week is set to be a landmark event in ocean racing.

David Tasker
T: +61 433 112 936
E: [email protected]