International Canoe Federation

The Arctic Sea Kayak Race (ASKR) is an annual kayak festival with events that suit everyone – from beginners to competition paddlers. This, the 20th edition of the ASKR edition, will take place on Friday 30th July. It may be a traditional event on the Ocean Racing calendar, but this will be the first time it’s held in conjunction with the International Canoe Federation and the Norwegian Canoe Association (NCA).

Base camp is Skipnes in Vesterålen, Northern Norway and the surrounding backdrop offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The landscape is mountainous with pretty towns and villages dotted along the coast, between the mountains and the fjords. The deep ocean is very close to shore and sperm whales are often spotted feeding in this area.

The arctic waters, with a temperature of just 8–12°C give an extra challenge to all participants who have to consider the right clothing and safety. The safety systems in place include the Norwegian Rescue Company and the Norwegian Coast Guard, in addition to a trained escort boat crew. Safety is a priority and participants must have the following to enter: a leash attaching the athlete to their boat, a neoprene long john wetsuit and neoprene socks (with a minimum thickness of 3mm), a flare and a Personal Floating Device (PDF).

The race, about 32km long, is mainly on open sea and exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. The start and finish is in Skipnes with Nykvåg as the turning point. Athletes race in either the K1 or K2 in both Men's and Women's categories and all should be prepared for varied sea conditions. Winners in each category have the chance to take home €3,000.

Participants should make their way to Sortland where event organisers will arrange transfer to Skipnes. For more details on how to get there, how to enter and other practical information, check out the bulletin.

This year's Nelo Summer Challenge will take place in Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde at the end of August. The first city will be the starting line for the 10km, downwind race. Vila do Conde will be the finish line. In complete contrast to the ASKR, the temperatures for this World Cup will be around the 25°C mark.

The base for this event will be at the Marina Póvoa de Varzim, a great stop for boats sailing along the Iberian Coast. IT's well sheltered and has all the faciliites you need. This is also where you will find Nelo's truck where you can have your Nelo surfski checked over or arrange your boat hire.

For all practical information, including how to enter, how to get there, accommodation, more competition information, visa requirements and more, check out this bulletin.

The second of the two Portugal races is the Portimão Surfski Race of Champions. Located at the mouth of the River Arade, Portimão provides a natural harbour and in the past has been a home for smugglers and pirates. The river also provides the sea access to the up-river ancient city of Silves. Extensively developed in the 19th century, Portimão became one of the most important centres on the Algarve of the fishing and canning industry until the early 1980s. The town is now essentially commercial and was the main shopping town of the whole Algarve during the 1970s and 1980s. Happily, it also has a very active cultural scene and there are always different forms of events throughout the year.

There are races in both Sprint and Traditional categories for Seniors, Juniors and Masters and there is one distance and route for all participants of all categories, that is 25km with at least 13km downwind. This route may, however, change should the conditions call for it. Friday 3rd September will see the Opening Ceremony with racing all day on the Saturday 4th culminating in a Beach Party from 6pm. For more information see the Event Bulletin.

On 12 September, Formentera in Spain's Balearic Islands will host the next ICF Ocean Racing World Cup Series Event. For more information, visit the official event website: www.worldcupsurfskiformentera.com and checkout this leaflet. After a short break, and when summer has hit down under, the final World Cup Series event will be held in Sydney on the 18th December. More details will follow.