The world's biggest celebration of ocean paddling returns this Saturday 22nd November, with over 1,000 competitors-including Olympians, world champions and elite surf lifesaving athletes-converging on Perth for seven days of racing and community events. The 2025 Shaw and Partners WA Race Week continues to demonstrate how essential strong sponsorship and prize money are in elevating a community-rooted event into a world-class sporting festival.
Thanks to Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Tourism WA, the City of Joondalup, Race One Surf Craft and Fenn Kayaks, Shaw and Partners WA Race Week delivers a record $300,000 in cash and prizes across seven premier races-cementing its status as one of the richest and most prestigious ocean paddling events globally.
Oceanpaddler Race Director Dean Gardiner said the event's growth is only possible because of committed corporate and government partners.
"Events of this scale don't happen without strong sponsors," he said. "In 2025, you need more than a great race-you need visibility. Sponsorship and meaningful prize money give Shaw and Partners WA Race Week the credibility and cut-through needed across social media, TV, news and community channels."
Why Sponsorship Matters in 2025
Attracting Elite Talent
Four-time World Surf Ski Champion Cory Hill said major prize money has elevated the professionalism and global draw of the event.
"Prize money of this scale shows real respect for the sport," he said. "When an event invests in athletes, athletes invest back-by travelling, competing and bringing their best. Shaw and Partners WA Race Week is now one of the premier events globally because the support behind it is world-class."
Delivering a High-Quality Event
Sponsorship funds the infrastructure that sets Shaw and Partners WA Race Week apart: safety vessels, tracking systems, professional timing, logistics support and a fully serviced event hub. These elements create a safe, polished and elite-standard environment for athletes and spectators.
Driving Multi-Platform Media Reach
In 2025's crowded media environment, strong backing ensures Shaw and Partners WA Race Week stands out.
This includes a targeted Rottnest Island content activation, where select athletes and VIPs will capture and share their experience. This strategy boosts visibility across digital, broadcast, print and social platforms, helping Shaw and Partners WA Race Week reach new audiences nationally and internationally.
Supporting Long-Term Growth
Ongoing sponsorship supports community-focused initiatives such as the free Race One Nipper Clinic and the What Ability inclusion session-programs that grow participation and strengthen Shaw and Partners WA Race Week's social impact.
"Our goal is to elevate the sport and the communities around it," Shaw and Partners CEO Earl Evans said. "Sponsorship isn't just about putting a name on an event-it's about enabling opportunity. Prize money rewards excellence, and our support helps Shaw and Partners WA Race Week cut through in a competitive media world."
ABOUT SHAW AND PARTNERS WA RACE WEEK: 22–29 NOV
Shaw and Partners WA Race Week is Australia's largest and most prestigious ocean-racing festival, offering over $300,000 in cash and prizes — the biggest prize pool in global ocean-ski racing.
More than 1,000 competitors, including Olympians, world champions and elite surf lifesaving athletes, will converge on Perth for seven days of racing and community events.
Athletes competing include:
- Ali Day (NSW): Ten-time Coolangatta Gold Champion; world and Australian Ironman champion
- Jemma Smith (NSW): Reigning Doctor champion; 2024 Coolangatta Gold winner
- Cory Hill (QLD): Four-time World Surf Ski Champion, four-time Molokai champion, four-time Shaw and Partners Doctor winner
- Kira Bester (South Africa): Current Women's World Ocean Paddling Champion
- Hank McGregor (South Africa): Ten-time World Marathon Kayak Champion
- Danielle Richards (NZ): Former champion Ironwoman and winner of multiple major global ocean paddling events
- Nick Notten (South Africa): World Surf Ski Champion
- Riley Fitzsimmons (NSW): Olympic silver medallist (K4 kayak)
Key Events:
- Fenn West Coast Downwinder: 24km downwind (Sat 22 Nov)
- Race One Nipper Clinic: (Sun 23 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Downwind International: 12km prone & double-ski (Sun 23 Nov)
- Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series: 11km downwind races (Tue 25 & Thu 27 Nov)
- Race One Twilight Paddleboard Dash: 2km sprint (Wed 26 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Dash for Cash – Surf ski sprint racing (Fri 28 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Doctor – 27km Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach finale (Sat 29 Nov)
Throughout the week, Sorrento Beach will transform into a vibrant event hub with live music, family entertainment, food vendors, athlete meet-and-greets, and daily presentations.
