Annual Bridge to Beach challenge –   Sydney Harbour to Manly Wharf 

Prepare for an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle as Sydney Harbour prepares to host many of the country’s finest paddlers for the 24th annual Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach on Sunday, February 23rd 2025. This iconic 11km race, one of the biggest on Australia’s paddling calendar, promises thrills and spills while supporting the Fragile X Association of Australia in raising funds to support our FX Family Counsellor role.  The race is sponsored by Manly Wharf and Shaw and Partners Financial Services.

Now in its 24th year, race organiser Dean Gardiner from Oceanpaddler said things would be fast and furious with several hundred paddlers set to take part.

“Paddlers start right underneath the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in the splendour of a Sydney sunrise before paddling past some of this city’s most iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head, Clifton Gardens, North Harbour Reserve, and both South and North Head before finishing at Manly Wharf. There is no more beautiful waterway in the world to race on,” Dean said.

“There’s a big paddling community in Sydney, and this 11km course on the relatively flat-water of the harbour makes the ideal first round hit-out for our fields which range from our elite level competitors who will make it from Bridge to Beach in about 40 minutes, through to our beginners who will be digging deep to finish.

“Importantly, this event is dedicated to raising funds for FXAA. Fragile X syndrome is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability, and the charity provides information, support, education and advocacy to individuals and families impacted by Fragile X,” Dean said.

Executive Director of FXAA, Wendy Bruce, said the Bridge to Beach was a significant fundraiser, and, being headquartered not far from the finish line, it is wonderful to have such strong local support.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the paddling community and race sponsors for the ongoing support from this event. Each year the money raised makes a significant difference to our ability to fund a specialist family counselling support service for people who are affected by Fragile X”.

If you’re a keen paddler, registration is open until 21st February.  Register online at Oceanpaddler 

If you’re not a paddler, drop by Manly Wharf in the morning to watch the paddlers cross the finish line!  And join us for post-race presentations at Felons Manly, at the Wharf.

It’s an action packed race – take a look at last year’s action!