The Shaw and Partners 20 Beaches Ocean Classic, an iconic ocean paddling race held annually along the stunning coastline of Sydney’s Northern Beaches since 1990, is set to take place on October 31, 2026. Organized by the dedicated team at the 20 Beaches Foundation and supported by the Manly Warringah Kayak Club, this prestigious event attracts top paddlers from across Australia who compete for the coveted Steve Wood and Yanda trophies. The race route runs along a picturesque stretch of coastline between Long Reef and Palm Beach. Depending on wind conditions leading up to the event, participants will paddle either northward from Long Reef to Palm Beach or southward in reverse direction. The exact course details, start line, and finish location will be announced closer to the race date. After crossing the finishing line at Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), paddlers can look forward to a celebratory atmosphere with awards presentations recognizing the top performers of the day. Additionally, this year’s event doubles as the National Championships for the Shaw and Partners Australian Ocean Racing Series, adding extra prestige to the competition. Supporting a worthy cause, the 20 Beaches is partnering with Gotcha4life (https://www.gotcha4life.org/) to raise funds for mental health awareness. Participants are encouraged to make donations during their registration process to contribute towards this important initiative.
Races Offered
Double Entry
Opening soon
Oct 31, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Double Entry
Opening soon
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
00:00
sell
$100.00
Individual Entry
Opening soon
Oct 31, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Individual Entry
Opening soon
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
00:00
sell
$130.00
Individual Entry (Junior and Under 23)
Op
Oct 31, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Individual Entry (Junior and Under 23)
Op
terrain
Type —
Others
timer
00:00
sell
$100.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Palm Beach.
thermostatTemperature
14.1° / 23.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
11.7° / 20.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 39m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.4 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
14.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
65.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:12
nightlight
Sunset
18:08
About Palm Beach
Learn more about the host city, Palm Beach.
Palm Beach is a suburb in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Palm Beach is located 41 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Northern Beaches Council. Palm Beach sits on a peninsula at the end of Barrenjoey Road near Pittwater and is the northernmost beach in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. The population of Palm Beach was 1,593 as at the 2016 census.
