Countdown is on for Hong Kong’s 2019 Steelcase Dragon Run

DRAGONS IN HONG KONG

With less than three weeks until Hong Kong’s biggest paddling weekend of the year, the Steelcase Dragon Run is fielding an outstanding assembly of surfski and outrigger canoe paddlers from all over the globe. These challengers will descend on Hong Kong to undertake one of the most technical courses on the World Surfski League (WSSL) circuit on Saturday, November 9th.

The 2019 Hong Kong Steelcase Dragon Run organisers have been working round the clock to ensure that this year’s event surpasses expectations; offering exceptional prize money to the incredible men and women on the podium. The Steelcase Dragon Run sponsors have been outstandingly generous again this year, despite Hong Kong’s trying summer and autumn, and their support cannot be overstated (or overpraised).

This year, the Steelcase Dragon Run has teamed up with the Ovolo Hotel Group as its primary accommodation partner. Ovolo has offered very affordable options for overseas and local paddlers with numerous benefits (Please check Steelcase Dragon Run’s Facebook page for more details).

BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS

The 2019 surfski category will showcase the men’s and women’s gold, silver and bronze medalists from the recent ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Quiberon, France. Included in this tough pack of competitors are Steelcase Dragon Run defending champions Hayley Nixon (SA) and Cory Hill (AU).

Steelcase Dragon Run defending OC1 Champions Lindsey Shank (US) and Tupuria King (NZ), will be returning to Hong Kong after a successful year travelling the world and competing. Tupuria has powered through 2019, winning the Oahu State Championships and the New Zealand Long Distance Championships as well as placing second in the World Long Distance Championships.

In addition to these defending champions, Jim Foti, legendary Hawaiian outrigger paddler, will be competing for the first time.

PADDLE AND STEERING CLINICS

While in Hong Kong, Tupuria will be hosting private paddle clinics. For more information, please see link – Private Paddle Clinics 

The OC6 steering legend Jim Foti will be running steering clinics in Hong Kong the week before the Steelcase Dragon Run. These clinics will be a minimum of two hours and will include a land session and on-water sessions (with Jim in seat 5 and course participants taking turns in seat 6). Clinics are priced at HK$1,000 per person and will be held on Wednesday, November 6.
Clinic 1 will be held from 1400-1600hrs at Middle Island; Clinic 2 will be held from 1600-1800hrs at Middle Island, Hong Kong. Any paddlers interested should contact Nick Crabb at nick.crabb@rhkyc.org.hk regarding availability.

CRITICAL STEELCASE DRAGON RUN REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  • Registration will close on Monday, November 4th at 1600 Hong Kong time (0800 GMT). Late entry will not be allowed. Please see the following links for registration forms:

Long Course:  https://www.webscorer.com/ register?raceid=183609
Short Course: https://www.webscorer.com/ register?raceid=183601

  • Safety briefing and Race Allocation Numbers:
    • Race number allocation will commence from 1600hrs on Friday, November 8th in the sports hall at the Hong Kong Sea School at 13-15 Tung Tau Wan Rd, Stanley, Hong Kong.
    • A compulsory safety briefing will commence at 7pm on Friday, November 8th immediately following registration.
    • GPS Trackers supplied by Dot Track Asia will be allocated during registration. As these trackers will be attached to your PFD, paddlers must bring their PFDs to the registration event.

OTHER INFORMATION

Being Green. As part of our drive to eliminate single-use items, all paddlers will be provided with a Steelcase-branded reusable water bottle. Urban Spring will place a drinking water well at the venue for you to fill/refill water bottles and race bladders.

Eat, drink, celebrate! Event organizers ask that you local paddlers bring their own reusable plates and cutlery for the after-race luncheon (Reusable plates and cutlery will be made available for overseas paddlers).  Spectators, family, friends can purchase a meal/drink ticket.

Even More Paddling. The Around the Island Outrigger Canoe distance change race (ATIR), organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, will take place the day following the Steelcase Dragon Run on November 10th, 2019. Please visit the event website for details, www.atirhkoutrigger.com

UPDATES

For continuous updates on The Steelcase Hong Kong Dragon Run 2019 visit:

Please contact racing@hongkongdragonrun.com.hk with any questions (or leave a message on our Facebook page)

See you on the water on November 9th, 2019 for another fantastic race!