Thanks from us at Oceanpaddler for all of you who came along to the Doctor in Fremantle. It really was a great day for all involved and we hope to see you all back next year with a bigger and better event.

Meanwhile, the national press has taken an interest, with a number of leading newspapers reporting prior to and after the event on a number of competitors.

Andrew Prentice from The Manly Daily wrote an article on Tim Jacobs, focusing on his backing up from his "disappointing showing in Saturday's surf Ski World Cup in Perth by teaming up to win the team's event with Manly paddler Murray Stewart on Sunday." Jacobs expressed his admiration of his team-mate quoted as saying, "What Murray did was huge," before going on to salute Robinson's effort in the Saturday race. "I have so much respect for him, to win like he did was awesome," Jacobs was quoted as saying in the 20th January article. For the full article, click here.

Meanwhile the Sunshine Coast Daily's Monday edition after the race devoted a column to Robinson's awesome win, stating "Life can't get much better for Clint Robinson right now," before going on to detail how Robinson "destroy(ed) a world class field." The article then went on to inform us of Robinson's plan to tackle the World Championships in Molokai in May. Triple Olympic medallist Robinson went on to reveal he was "missing the heck" out of his 4 week old daughter. Click here for the full article.

Even the major papers were in on the act, with the Sydney Morning Herald also devoting space in its Monday edition to "Smokey Robinson's" feat. "Age has not wearied five time Olympian Client Robinson," the article claimed, citing that Robinson was a "wildcard" amongst his rivals coming into the event due to unknown form.  "They know now," the article concluded succinctly, before Robinson went on to elaborate, "I had done a few long paddles, and my training speed was pretty good."  No kidding !

36 year old Robinson then became more introspective, claiming, "At the end of the day, I just love running the swells and getting out in the ocean, I've been doing it for about 25 years and so I should know how to run the runners."

The article also touched on a possible shift (is it only temporary though ?) in the powers of ocean paddling, detailing how when the event was last held 2 years ago, South Africans filled the first 5 places, yet this time around, Australians had dominated, taking 9 of the top 10 places.  (Only Dawid Mocke from South African broke the monopoly, Ed.)

On the morning of the event, the Newcastle Herald reported on local hope, Swansea-Belmont surf lifesaver Matt Rees's chances.  The interview with Rees detailed Rees's view that the sport is seeing a changing of the guard, noting that previously it was dominated by older guys whereas now the influx of money has seen a number of "younger guys"
crossing over from Surf Ironman. Click here for the article.

Finally, Sydney's Sunday Telegraph also reported on the event, sharing valuable newspaper real estate with Lance Armstrong's Tour Down Under Ride. 

The article revealed how Clint Robinson had only elected to enter - leaving his wife and 4 week old daughter - at the last minute: a decision which proved fruitful as he picked up victory in the $30,000 event held in Prth.  Click here for full article.

More media ?  Why not send it to us ?