What is the Griffith University Paradise Regatta?
The Griffith University Paradise Regatta is a made-for-TV race on the Nerang River for Rowing 8s and Dragon Boats through the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
How long is the race and where does its start/finish?
The race is 2km for the Rowing 8s. Starting near Buds beach and finishing at the Gold Coast Arts Centre Parklands at Evandale?
The Dragon Boat races are 200m and take place off the bank of the Gold Coast Arts Centre Parklands.
Whats the Race Format and How is it run?
The race format sees two crews racing off against each other with the winner progressing through to the next round.
This style is borrowed from the hugely popular Henley Regatta in the UK.
Both the winner and loser will race again until all overall positions have been found.
For Example:
First Round of Racing
- Race 1: Crew A vs Crew B - Winner Crew B
- Race 2: Crew C vs Crew D - Winner Crew D
Final Round of Racing
- Final 1: Crew B vs Crew D - Winner Crew D
- Final 2: Crew A vs Crew C - Winner Crew A
- School Girl & School Boy Crew Race - Team 1500m
- Corporate Race - Team 1500m
- University Race - Team 1500m
- Australia New Zealand Race - Individual 500m
- School Girl 8+
- School Boy 8+
- School Mixed Dragon Boat
- Corporate Womens 8+
- Corporate Mens 8+
- Corporate Mixed Dragon Boat
- University Womens 8+
- University Mens 8+
- University Mixed Dragon Boat
- Australia New Zealand Boat Race
When is it on?
The GUPR is on Saturday October 10th 2009.
There will be an Opening Ceremony at Circle on Cavill between 8am-9am.
Racing on the River will be between 11am and 4pm.
How do I get involved as a competitor?
Contact your local Rowing or Dragon Boat Club and enquire as to whether they are sending a team to the Griffith University Paradise Regatta. As Australia's only televised regatta there is a good chance they will be.
How much does it cost?
$35 per competitor in each team. Rowing 8s cost $315, Dragon Boats $700.
How do I get involved as a spectator?
- The main spectator area will be down at the Gold Coast Arts Centre in the Southern part of Evandale Parklands. There will be a fully licensed bar, freshly cooked food, live music and race commentary.
- Racing also passes public areas like Buds Beach and Appel Park at the bottom of Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise.
- If your lucky enough to live on the Nerang River waterfront between Buds Beach and the Gold Coast Arts Centre throw a party and enjoy the racing from you back yard, pontoon or balcony with friends.
Click on Event Maps in the Main Menu to see a satellite photograph of the Course and Finish line area.
When do entries close?
Entries close one month prior to racing (11.9.09) with late entries taken until 10 days prior to the event.
Why should my crew come?
This event does several things other regattas don't:
- Its on TV!
- This event will be broadcast around Australia and NZ in full and have segments delivered to 55 countries worldwide.
- Get your team filmed with on-board and aerial cameras by the same guys that bring the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to TV!
- It Offers Prizes
- Each winning crew will receive a $1500 cheque from Swift Racing Australia which can be spent on their world class Rowing and Dragon Boat products.
- It's in the middle of the Gold Coast!
- No more traveling out to the middle of nowhere to race - bring the team to the heart of Australia's excitement capital!
- Cheap flights, cheap accommodation and stay right on the beach - its a holiday and a regatta in one!
- Australia New Zealand Boat Race
- Be there to see the 2 best crews in the Southern Hemisphere go head to head and make history!
- Brings everyone together
- This is one of the only events in the world that brings together School-age, Masters, Corporate, University and Elite Crews in both Rowing and Dragon Boating! The full spectrum of these sports will be on display for the spectators and TV public.
