There were a record number of entries at this year with around 50 surfers putting in 86 entries across 6 divisions including for the first time an O50s and an U21. All divisions where full including the ladies. This is a credit to the professionalism and foresight of Surfing NSW and in particular Luke Madden who co ordinates the event.

The surfing standard this year was through the roof with world tour guys Beau Nixon and Justin Holland mixing it up with the new wave of 'groms' led by Kai Bates who is now surfing at a world class standard and was regularly smashing out 9s in the clean 2-3 waves on Sunday. We lucked out with the surf which increased overnight Thursday along with a backing off of the offshore wind.

The commentary provided by Dogman all weekend was hilarious and informative as scores where delivered after each ride. If you ever want to experience a first class professional contest (and get to watch and compete against some of the best in the world) this one is a cracker.

Interesting the surfing numbers were double that of the racing (despite the surfing being held mid week) which goes to show if an event is run with the surfers in mind they will come. The Shoal Bay resort put on an awesome couple of nights for the crew with food and drinks supplied in a 5 star venue.

It's the best event I have been to and it was great to catch up with crew from all over the state (and the QLD dudes) who you only get to see a couple of times a year. SUP is one friendly sport with (in NSW at least) none of the BS politics that plagues some sports.

Pics courtesy of Surfing NSW:

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