Hurt so good for double ski victors on debut
THE pain will be worth it this morning for Hekili Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge debutants Keith Burn and Tommy Woodriffe.
In their first crack in the open double ski event over 45km, the pair took out the crown in two hours, 47 minutes and 59 seconds, almost four minutes faster than the chasing pack.
South African-native Burn expected to have a few sore body parts this morning but he will grin and bare it. “I have only been paddling a short time, this was my first doubles race,” Burn said.
“It was great to have Tommy’s experience out there.
“We got some great runs today, it was incredible.
“We enjoyed it for the first 30km, then it just became pain (laughs). “The pain is worth it.” Woodriffe, who is a veteran of paddling in the Far North, said the duo would not have won if the conditions did not suit so well.
“My forte is on the runs, it worked out really well,” Woodriffe said.
“We probably would have struggled if it was flat, that is not my cup of tea.
“I have done it for a long time but I know Port Douglas well, I used to come up for surf carnivals a lot.”
The duo are looking forward to the Ocean Series starting in September.
Mark Anderson and Greg Kendricks were second while Toby Hogbin with Andrew Love rounded out the top three.
Tegan Fraser was the clear winner in the female ocean ski open, followed by Tania Moohin and Angie Corcoran.