For the past four years, a growing group of paddlers have assembled in the territory down under, for a few days of stand up paddle surfing on the shortest day of the year. This year, racers are invited back for one big day of action.

The shortest day of the year is a time to celebrate, as the year slipping by reaches its inevitable valley in the bell-curve of freezing cold paddling conditions. Summer is coming, daylight savings approaches and new gear is on the horizon, but one group of stand up paddlers is celebrating for a different reason - it's time for the fifth annual Winter Classic!

Held in the most unlikeliest of places, on the Tasman Peninsula down in Tasmania on the 25th June, for the last four years running the crazy bunch of paddlers have run a cracker of a competition. Once held over a few days, now it's down to one - the 25th June, and there's a lot of action to cram into the shortest day of the year! Expect a full on surf competition with divisions for young and old, plus some flat water paddling - while winds are always too light for a downwinder, it's perfect for some sprints and a little long distance action. Stand up paddlers from all over Australia made the trek down last year for the events biggest entry list ever, and were treated to glassy conditions with a fun 2-5ft swell rolling in. Each morning saw a little frost, but don't worry, there's plenty of beers flowing after the event to warm you up!

If you've got a decent wetsuit, book your ticket on the ferry now (or get a flight while they're cheap) to experience one of the best comps in Australia - the Tassie SUP Winter Classic. It will certainly be the coldest!

For more information, see the Aussie Stand Up Paddling events page right here on Seabreeze.com.au

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