RPS/STARBOARD
Flatwater SUP Series 2010/11 rd 1

The forecast for the first race of the series was looking rather threatening and the decision to move the race from Elwood to Mentone proved to be the right call.After a week of onshore wind, rain and generally woeful paddling conditions, the wind swung off-shore and the sun shone!
The Starboard SUP Tour bus arrived early and before long the grassed area at the carpark was awash with shiny new 2011 Starboard demo’s. The competitors gradually arrived, signed on for the race and assembled on the water for the start. Despite the weather forecast and countless Xmas celebration commitments, 35 men, women, teenagers and kids turned out to race.
The mass start was from the RPS Party Island and the pace was frantic from the word go! As expected, Cam Hosking led them out with Dave Hunt keeping him in close check. If there is one thing that is evident this year as compared to last, is that there are many more people now paddling dedicated flatwater boards and the level of paddling ability has improved dramatically!
Whilst the wind was off shore, the paddle to the upwind mark under the cliff was testing which meant before long, the field spread out and there were small battles within the race. It appeared as though Cam was atoning for his sins from the GMP race at the rate he was paddling and with this being an oval course with only 2 buoys, it was a safe bet he wouldn’t miss rounding any.
After 45 mins of racing there were a lot of exhausted, but happy paddlers. Honourable mentions must be made for Tony Bond who made the trip from Echuca and despite a few falls, still came in for a close third after a 200m drag race to the finish against Dave Hunt [2nd]. Jono Kale and Kalani Slator who paddled in the jnrs and beat many open competitors. And young Wil Slator who was paddling tandem with his Dad. Wil paddled the downwind legs and had the most fun of anyone on the day. Well done to all who paddled. The next race is scheduled for the 27th Feb 2011.

Results
Open
1st – Cam Hosking/ Naish Jav 14
2nd - Dave Hunt / F18
3rd – Tony Bond/Penetrator 16
4th – Andrew Hocking//Starboard 12’6” Pin
5th- Rupert Lancashire/Naish 12 Glide
6th- James Toth/Starboard 12’6” Pin

12’6” Class
1st – Andrew Hocking
2nd- Rupert Lancashire
3rd- James Toth

Ladies
1st- Rea Haare/Naish 14 Glide
2nd- Katrine Lee/Starboard 10’0”
3rd- Jaselyn O’Sullivan/Starboard 10’5”

Juniors
1st-Jono Kale
2nd- Kalani Slator