The first paddle strokes in this year's Best4 Summer Surfski series will be held at the iconic V&A Waterfront.

Series co-ordinator Dawid Mocke today confirmed this fantastic new venue for the traditional Grading race, the first and biggest race in the Best4 Surfski series. "I am so excited to have our first race in the Waterfront! It's an iconic place in Cape Town and a venue that allows for all levels of paddlers to participate."

The race which will take place on 14 October starting at 9am outside the Clock Tower. The 12km race begins at the Clock Tower (which will allow spectators great viewing of the participants), with the paddlers completing two laps through the Waterfront, out the harbour mouth towards Granger Bay and back. All Paddlers, seasoned and new are invited to paddle with the world’s best paddlers. Confirmed entrants so far include Simon Van Gysen, Sean Rice and Dawid Mocke all top contenders in the current World Series, Mocke being the current title holder.

This is the first in a couple of interesting changes made to the Best4 Series. As the race will be inside the V&A Basin, there is no chance of bad ocean conditions and all entrants can be assured of a great morning's paddling at one of South Africa's most famous venues. There will be great prizes up for grabs from race sponsor Stellar Kayaks in this first ever surfski race to be held at the Waterfront. The weekend’s race also coincides with the much anticipated V&A Boat Show.

Cape Town series co-ordinator Dawid Mocke says, “The series is not just for the fast and fit professional paddlers. It’s a great way for anyone to get fit whilst having fun on our beautiful beaches across the Peninsula with your family.” Race organizers are conscious of the spectator and family element of the races and aim to accommodate both for the first time.

Other venues and dates in the Best4 Surfski series are: 28 October Fish Hoek, 4 November Blouberg , 18 November Hout Bay, 25 November Strand, 2 December Long Beach,(Kommetjie),13 January Millers Point, 20 January Lagoon beach,(Milnerton) 27 January Seaforth beach (Simonstown), with the final race and series prize giving at Clifton beach on 3 February.

Prizes are kindly sponsored by The Paddling Centre, Brian’s Kayaks, Epic Kayaks, Hansa, Stellar Kayaks, Civvio, Island Tribe, Hansa, New Balance, and Butlers Pizza.

For entry fees and more info on this race and the series (10 in total) visit www.surfski.co.za, www.paddlingcentre.com or call 021 782 4311.