HURTLE

Okay, nearly everyone I know intends to overdo it at Christmas.  There are those who will eat too much, those who will drink too much, those who will get too much sun, and my favourite group, those who will do all of the above and then seek opportunities to overindulge in new and exciting ways.

Of course there are the really good quality people out there who don't intend to do anything of the sort, but most of them will fall off the wagon at some point.  Anyway, the news is good.  There is a bunch of adventure out there for all of you to plan for.  Yes, you'll have taken on a little extra fuel, but this will help you put it to good use.

Last week we told you about the Northcliffe 24 Hour Mountain Bike Classic.  Now, news to hand is the Lancelin Ocean Classic – 4 days of windsurfing glory.  The Lancelin Ocean Classic, presented by Kinetic IT, is expected to attract around 400 local and international competitors from Australia, Britain, Canada, the US, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Japan, France, Ireland, Scotland and Austria.

That's a bunch of talent heading to Western Australia, and it includes Bjorn Dunkerbeck, currently number two windsurfer in the world, here as a “soldier of furtune” to tackle the largest and longest running windsurfing event in the country.

The Lancelin Ocean Classic comprises events in three disciplines, wave sailing, slalom, and the marathon.
True to it's roots, the main event will be the marathon and will be run over a 26km course starting at Ledge Point and finishing at the Lancelin Tavern.

The event runs from January 6 to 9, and will allow locals to pit themselves against international stars, a chance that we seem to be getting more and more often.  The event is now big enough that last year's 400 competitors could be bettered, and the support of Kinetic IT is shown in the $25 000 total purse.  Stand by, the competition will be fierce.

The idea of international stars is still impressing me, but clearly the world is getting smaller, and world number one in Women's Slalom, Karin Jaggi will compete in 2011.  She sails under a Swiss flag but calls Margaret River home some of the time.

Home base will be the Endeavour Tavern at Lancelin, where this event had it's Genesis in 1986.  It's grown just a tad since then, and as many as 4 000 competitors and supporters are expected to flood the tiny town of Lancelin for the moment that is the Lancelin Ocean Classic.

Reports and photos will be found back here after the event, but in the meantime, have a look at these from John Carter.  Really... it's going to be hot, what's better than the chance to spend four days at world class beaches, with world class sport all around you?  Are you competing, or only watching this year?