Oliver..I never said the girl on the Laird beat the guy on the Vortice?? I said she just came in ahead of the last two OC1 (outrigger canoe one man) paddlers and I praised her as one of the girls she beat on the outrigger is an excellent world class, ex-world champion. For that I give Donalee credit. The times are above of the three competitors and show the Vortice at 1 hr 18min and the Laird at 1hr 42 mins.
I totally agree that there should be more divisions including a 12'5" and under stock, a 14'5" and under and an over 14' unlimited and I'm sure that one day that's the way it will be. I would have loved to have raced my 11'2" yesterday believe me.
The problem is we are currently "piggy backing" on an outrigger series who don't need to include us and except us into there series. They are a completely different association. The only similarity is we both use carbon fibre paddles made by the same manufacturers.
The outrigger association don't have the manpower and escort boats to cater for a bunch of SUP paddlers who would be coming in over an hour or two hours behind their last outrigger competitors. Even if the SUP left first you still need escort boats, lead boats and officials to go with the SUP. Until we break away and create our own series and association, unfortunately we will have to adhere by their rules and requirements.
I don't think $$ and "Rich Wallys", as they've been called last week, have anything to do with not having an open 12' Stock division included. It's volunteers and officials or the lack of them that's effecting what's going on up here. There were only 2 escort boats yesterday and about 6 officials and the field as it was, was spread out with over 1.5 hrs between the first outrigger and the last SUP. There were over 6 outriggers "cleaned up" on a reef break near the finish and all escort boats had to come and assist them leaving no-one following or watching the last 30 competitors in rough seas.
I think everyone here is getting way too caught up on "this board and that board" and "he has more money than me so he will beat me". I agree that's racing is probably 80% muscle/engine. And don't forget a huge heart. I witnessed that in outriggers for over 18 years. Some guys will win on no matter what you give them, how old or how cheap it cost. They are just bloddy talented athletes. Let's see beyond the equipment and division arguement and who "must" have more money and look at Who, When and How we are ALL going to work together to create "The Australian Stand Up Paddlers Association" with our own races, series, escort boats, officials, presidents, bouys, treasurers, bank accounts, state championships, rules etc etc etc. Now THAT all takes a ****load of $$$$. Until then we will just have to keep "piggy backing".
Sorry to sound so grumpy everyone...I'm probably pre menstrual !!!!
you'll have to have a word with him and get him to visit..
