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:

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

/images/misc/forum-image-missing.gif

Stoked you guys had fun and got some waves looks like a great event. We will be joining you next year for sure.

Have to agree! Great event, well run and in a beautiful location. Always good to catch up with the crew. The vibe on and off the water is a credit to the sport and the organisers. Might even have a crack next year!

I'll be there!!
Hope it falls on the same weekend as the Vicco Titles again.....absolute no brainer!!
Cheers
Sparx

Thanks for the write up and pics. Sad to have missed it this year but will aim to be back next year. Far and away the best SUP event in Australia.

kissa said..

Thanks for the pics Goaty.
V stoked to see the SPSC guys doing so well.
Apart from the usual suspects, Stevie Piper was awesome. Such a good competitor

Hey Dave, yeah Steve's result was the performance of the Surf comp I reckon, considering the opposition.

Your result in the Marathon (45 secs behind Travis) is bit of a cracker as well!! Then Sam only 45sec behind that - go the O40s

glennc said..

I agree goaty.
Great contest well run, I didn't hear one winge or bad vibe.
Rub it into Casso when you see him that he was beaten by a 50 year old in the marathon.

Hey "Cocko" remember mate, he was actually beaten by 3 fifty year olds. ..........but then again Casso was absolutely on fire in the surf. Great to watch.

I couldn't believe the standard of surf sup. What a great vibe and a great crew. Nearly enough to get me off a short board.

As Piros said the future of surf SUP in NSW is strong. I couldn't believe what Toby and Kai were doing. I've only ever watched Goaty on a goat boat from when I used to try and drop in on him at Dee Why Point. How good is he! I'd be asking to see his birth certificate if I was surfing against him.

Like the surfing, the racing was awesome. Well run and once again they listened to the competitors. So good to have the top guys in Qld and NSW racing each other.