Looks same as last year though they have added racing should be really fun though as last years event was really well run .... I can only speak for nsw event though

Can't wait for this.

Don't know about elsewhere but the racing in Vicco looks like it will be held in and around the Mecca for surfing in this part of the world - the Bells Beach - Torquay region. How good is that?

Combining a pathway for SUP surfers and racers from club level through state titles, nationals and international competition, and combining that with the gravitas and professionalism of Surfing Australia is exactly what the sport needs.

It's also good to see someone take the tough decision in terms of setting standards for board length. No doubt some noses will be out of joint with Unlimited class boards squeezed out, but it's pretty clear they've done this to ensure the next phase of national and then international competition is not compromised by airlines refusing to carry 17 and 18' boards.

Ali Cat said...

Now to decide what 14 foot board to get

Luck's a fortune - coincidentally I ordered a carbon Starboard Ace 14' a couple of weeks ago. It's due to arrive mid January, well in time for the February Vicco race. That should do just fine, provided we don't get a 40 knot downwinder.

Seems like all the sup vic crew are just interested in floating around the bay , there is a whole other side to the sport . Why are they focussed so much on flat water paddling ? If they truly want to progress the sport why wouldnt they focuss on both sides ?

Leigh82 said...

Seems like all the sup vic crew are just interested in floating around the bay , there is a whole other side to the sport . Why are they focussed so much on flat water paddling ? If they truly want to progress the sport why wouldnt they focuss on both sides ?

I can't wait to get down to the SURF COAST (heard of Torquay, Bell's Beach... sound familiar?) and have a crack at these events. SUP VIC are totally supporting the Surfing Victoria series, a true State Titles event, supported by the Victorian clubs.

By the way, SUP VIC also have a surfing event weekend in Inverloch.

Fact is, the most populous areas of Victoria, ie. around Melbourne, are right near the bay, so for most, flatwater is where it is at, at least in terms of getting in a regular paddle before work. It's a great place for people to start, and get their confidence. It is where I started, on the beaches along the bay, and on the rivers.

However, I found a new thrill in SUP surfing whilst I was up at the Corona Classic in Merimbula, and will now be upping the ante at the many surf beaches within a 1-2 hour drive from Melbourne.

Hey, and I tell you.. it's pretty peaceful and a great workout to float around the bay. It's also awesome to try the breaks. There's plenty of water out there for everyone.

HumanCartoon said...

Then you're luckier than most of us, doubly blessed with flat water in the inlet and that excellent surf beach. You should absolutely cane it in the BoP event at Torquay.

Right on Cartoon. I think we're actually all blessed to be able to get out on the water, afford boards, keep fit, make friends, and if you have it at your doorstep, catch waves. Good luck at the events Leigh82

Rosscoe said...

Hey Leigh, come down to one of the flatwater races, you are most welcome. Expand your horizons.

It may well do that, however the point to this whole thread is that Surfing Australia has established this terrific championship series that incorporates BOTH racing and surfing in the one weekend at each of the mainland state titles and then nationals. So Leigh can happily come along and surf and not have to concern himself with the racing if he doesn't like it.

On the other hand, I am really looking forward to seeing the top competitors in SUP disciplines that I don't partake of myself. Who knows, I might even learn something new.

Bottom line is, thanks to Surfing Australia's series, there's something here for everyone. I'm looking forward to it, as I'm sure many others are too.

Goochi said...

Sounds great, BOP style race at Yallingup beach will be pretty interesting.

I noticed on the SUPA website there is a WA state championship in Mandurah in Feb. Can someone in the know tell us if this is still on, how to enter and which beach?
Cheers

Pretty sure the SUPA races are in flat water (1500m and 6km events) so would imagine they are in the estuary somewhere. They are being hosted by the mandurah ocean club.

How good is is going from virtually nothing to two state titles, world cup events all here in WA, maybe we might catch up to the rest of the world.

The Yals BOP will be fun, I've seen that shorey at 3ft (granted not at that time of year) which would be interesting getting a 12'6 in and out of there. It would also test the handlers.

Road trip! Leave booked already :)