Gold Coast International Marine Expo - Stenlake back to defend title

Paddlers set off for the fun of the Coomera Cup. Gold Coast International Marine Expo

It may be a fun race, but there's some spirited competition in the Coomera Cup. © Gold Coast International Marine Expo

'The Coomera Cup is all about fun but there’s always a competitive element so it will be interesting to see who turns up,' said the university student who, after a bout of glandular fever earlier this year, is back paddling up to 120km and spending 1.5 hours in the gym four days each week.

'It will also be a good workout before The Doctor in Perth at the end of November and a good chance to just enjoy everything at the Expo too … the big boats and other fun toys.'

Organiser and coach, Julian Norton-Smith from Gold Coast-based Paddle2Fitness said people with all levels of paddling experience would take part in the 12km Coomera Cup.

'It’s a tight course which features what is perhaps the world’s most expensive turning buoy: a $2 million super-yacht,' said Julian, himself a former national and world champion.

'Plenty of paddling people wanting to experience competition and this is a great opportunity to do it in front of the huge crowd of spectators.'

Last year the Expo drew 21,000 people through its gates across three days and, given organisers have already had to expand the event site to cater for exhibitor demand, this year’s Expo is shaping up as the biggest and best yet.

'Expo has a lot to offer the paddler as everyone needs safety equipment like flares and water-proof phone cases … the lightweight stuff that a paddler needs because we do not have a lot of storage space available,' said Julian.

'And everyone likes to look at all the toys and latest products on the market – there’s a lot to see and do.'

Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne said the Coomera Cup was a key drawcard for the Expo, which brings together everything from super yachts to jet skis, trailer boats to fishing equipment … and everything in between. It’s been dubbed Australia’s ‘Only Working Boat Show’.

2013 Coomera Cup winner Tim Stenlake with his trophy and placegetters. © Gold Coast International Marine Expo

'It is great to have a rising star like Tim take part – he’s a world-class competitor who comes to mix with other paddlers and also to take in all that is on offer at the Expo,' said Ms Milne.

The Coomera Cup trophy - prized by paddlers. © Gold Coast International Marine Expo

'Expo showcases a massive array of marine equipment, accessories and boats … and gives the enthusiasts the best chance to get afloat before the summer and Christmas seasons.

'We have also locked in several world, Australian and Queensland product premieres – and these include an exciting evolution in the range of personal water craft and accessories – as well as underwater cameras, inflatable stand-up paddleboards and the debut of a new super yacht.

The three kilometer-long Expo circuit also features a huge range of live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes, including the amazing extreme high-diving show.

'It really is going to be a whole lot of fun,' said Ms Milne.

For the first time, tickets for the Gold Coast International Marine Expo are available online so savvy patrons can avoid lining up at the gate. Simply visit event website to pre-purchase tickets for any of the three days.

Ms Milne said a survey conducted last year revealed 91% of people attending rated the Expo eight out of 10 as a great event, and 82% of them confirmed they will be back in 2014.

'We will again be offering free on-site parking and the nominal entry fee of $8 per adult, $5 for seniors helps to secure the future of the event and raise much-needed funds for charity. Children under the age of 15 years will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.'

Now in its fourth year, the Gold Coast International Marine Expo has to date provided over $50,000 to beneficiary charities the Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and now the Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation.

For more information on the 2014 Gold Coast International Marine Expo, visit the new event website or contact Emma Milne on 0447 758 884.