NEWCASTLE'S largest ocean canoe race will take to the water this weekend at Horseshoe Beach.
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The Pasha Dasha Grand Prix is hosted by Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club on behalf of the NSW branch of the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.
Race director Stephen Dawes said the advantage of hosting it in Newcastle was that all the ocean action could be seen from the shore.
He said this was because the safest spot for teams to swap paddlers was near the beach, which was protected by the breakwall.
Dawes said this reduced the need for a support boat for each team, which would normally follow the canoe out to sea with fresh crew.
The course loops around Newcastle Harbour, with the best vantage point being Nobbys breakwall.
More than 50 teams have signed up to compete in long course, short course and junior events.
■ The Pasha Dasha Grand Prix starts at Horseshoe Beach at 8am this Saturday, January 17.