12 Towers Ocean SUP Race 2013

Sorry to say I agree with Lacey & Rager. This is a distance race and I cannot understand why there is not prize money for each category, i.e 12'6, 14 & unlimited. Entry fee is the same???

With all the talk re board length categories etc what happened to competing for a personal challenge,what ever the board size you decide to compete on.
If we get conditions like last year ill be riding my 8,5

I know things change, but forcast is looking good, yeew

Looks like nice wind and weather at this stage. Swell will be very big Wednesday to Friday and easing on the weekend but at this stage I'd say the swell will be every bit as big as last years race!

A couple of questions have been raised regarding board size. The Elite Race which is the only money race are the Open Men and Women 12'6" Elite. Reason being is that a few of the elite paddlers that competed in W.A. last weekend are still waiting for craft to arrive home in which some won't have them in time for the 12 Towers Race. Although the race is not designed around the elite guys but it is pretty cool to have them support the race.
There is the age categories in the 12'6" class with Senior Men & Women (40-49) and Master Men & Women (40-49) additional to the Open Class.
Now, the 14' class will include unlimited size boards. If you choose to ride an unlimited size board in this 14'+ class, feedback from many paddlers have said there is really no great advantage on an unlimited over a 14' size board. And besides, the were 6 unlimited competitors in last years race where we made available 18 podium placings. By not filling these positions, the event had nearly $500 worth of trophies left over.
And why aren't there money prizes on all divisions? How great it would be to have this but in this financially hard climate of tightening belts and shortening pockets, financial sponsors are hard to come by and we rely on entry fees and the SUPSA Paddle Club to fund the event along with generous prize products from supporting businesses and brands.
I think people tend to forget that we are still very young in SUP sport in terms of events and participation. By putting these race and events together takes a lot of time and money which from all past event and races through out the country, event organises have done an incredible job.
All you guys need to do is get out there and support the sport and embrace the fun and challenges it offers!
SUPPORT THE SPORT!

^^^^but 12'6 getting the coin in a ocean race because the elite/special crew could not get their bigger boards back in time...pfffftttttt does not matter how softly you tread,that is just rigged

i think most support the race, even those nasty lb er types

there's nothing wrong with some debate/ discussion either as long as its all civil

cheers