I suggest a mine field that needs to be negotiated by all competitors, this will sort out the wheat from the chaff. Then I think the finish should include a tackling exercise

I like it.

DJ

It's good for the PADDLERS:

- Can be effort having to find a handler, so getting rid of them makes it easier & fairer for everyone

- Less chaos on the changeovers meas less chance of getting unlucky

- Most paddlers hate the run legs (though I love it, it's the only time I can catch up to people...)

- Rewards good paddlers, not good runners


It's bad for the PADDLERS:

- The final run leg can be the difference in a close race. What if two or three guys catch the same wave in over the line?

- When are you gonna get a drink? Not many paddlers would like using a camelbak in a surf race. Though this wouldn't matter if the races were shortened into sprint a knockout format... (something like the Victory Surf Race / SUP World Series format)

- If you have to carry your board around the buoy, then there's still some running involved.


*************


It's good for the SPECTATORS:

- They get to watch the best paddlers do what they're good at


It's bad for the SPECTATORS:

- The chaos of the changeovers/handlers can be fun to watch

- The run legs keep the action as close to the crowd as possible

- The final run leg can be exciting if it's a close finish


*************


I like most of it, especially getting rid of the handlers. But I'd change these two things:

- Place the inner buoys in shallow water (like 2-3ft), instead of on the shoreline. That way you still have to come in through the waves, but you don't have to hop off your board when you turn around.

- Have a run leg just at the finish. It'll keep it more exciting, plus it'll separate paddlers who are riding the same wave in.

And don't forget about the spectators, we always need more of them showing up...

ezza said...

I have to ask, what does BOP stand for?

Battle of the Paddle.

It's the biggest and best known SUP race in the world. There's really only one event called the Battle of the Paddle (it's trademarked and all).

But pretty much every race that goes in and out through the waves gets called a "BoP Race" just because it's such a well known format.

Edit: here's some trivia for everyone:
tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77637843&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch

paul.j said...

Sorry i should have said still a short run to finish!! My thoughts would be to have the inner buoys in the shore break white wash so nice and close the crowd you still might have to run but it would be a Max of 10m at most. One other thing to think of i legropes will be standard in the future and this way there will be no taking legropes on and of which sucks, you would just have it attached to your waist and leave it on!

BOP means Battle of the paddle its a style of racing.

Jacko

That'd be cool then.

Still not too keen on carrying your board though, even if it's only 10m or so. I reckon they're too heavy and it just feels (and looks) kinda awkward.

If you take out the run legs between laps, I reckon you should totally take em out.

The pics below don't look like that much fun (though I guess it adds some novelty, and again it probably adds something for the spectators):

I agree, it's about the paddling, not the running.

and it hold only be done in speedos and a little hat that ties under the chin, oh wait hang on its been done bugger

This "Bow Tie" course is a no brainer. 3 laps. 11 turns, 6 one way, 5 the other, and some left and right surfing action through the waves. Surf back in 3 times left, 3 times right. You paddle back out "direct". Surely, this is the solution! ??


^ this is a 4.0km paddle course.

PS - Jacko, your course would get people lost (too many turns / irregular shape)... This course is as simple as you can make it. A fun little "cross roads" bit in the middle too. Kind of like Slot Cars!

Thanks Lacey.

where is the tackling in the course??? I mean really what is sport without tackling

camo hosk said...

Lookout PT, bought back some secret training tips that might get me back near the frontrunners like yourself .

Spies are keeping an eye out down Wonga Park way. Remember, I know your secret training location.

PTWoody said...

Two points:

First, I'm begging you, please do not allow Camo Hosk into your paddle fitness sessions. The only chance I have of beating him is when he's unfit and on a slow board.

Second: this new BOP format idea is terrific. The whole board handler thing is feasible in top level races but simply doesn't happen at our amateur level resulting in carnage. I personally don't mind running on the beach as it gives my arms a rest, but it's just not worth the hassle or the potential board damage. I would keep the "run" in a foot of water - just deep enough that you have to jump off and turn around.

The other thing is, we need to put pressure on Balin and the other companies to make the waist attaching leggie. Surely there's enough people getting into BOP style racing here to make this a decent market for them. Otherwise, good business opportunity for someone clever.

A couple of us tried waist leggies at Coolum using a coil leash and 2 carabinas, one attached to the rail saver of the leash which was connected to the other one that was attached to a waist style water bladder. The ankle end of the leash attached to the front handle. Was really easy to get on and off and didn't get in the way of your feet. Didn't help with the race but I think it saves a bit of time compared to a leg rope.

you had better make sure that the dudes who lay the marks and set up the tents and infrastructure make a decent wage or you guys will have as much longevity as "Bros.....When will I, Will I be famous?"

I like the M shape better
I think that you will damage more boards having paddlers on runners crossing boards going out at sea and I don't see much fun in it.
Maybe you should keep 1 buoy on the beach on the shore line so there is a little bit of run and another buoy a bit more at sea so we would still have to turn around a buoy coming back on runners wich is always interesting.
But basically jacko if you want to put up a race, you just do what you want and people will adapt. I don't see why an event race format should be the same a another event race format. As long as we are paddling in and out the break and spectators can see the whole course everyone should like it I think.
It was not much fun to see angie hurting herself trying to run in coolum so you have a valid point. And for the ones loving the run I am sure there will still be enough other races involving runing as well

Lets face it the guys who can run will always want the run leg to stay and those that cant run will want it gone!! I have been on both sides of the fence and would ruther it be gone but i have already warned the little bitches that keep beating me to look out as from Friday i wil be back to running harder!! and i will mow them down!!!!

You would make the long paddle on the back leg DW and the course can go either way depending on the day.
I'm not sure about turning one way being faster than the other? Maybe you just need to pratice turning the other way a bit more Chris!!

The inside turns could be right in the shorey so if you time it right you would not even need to get of your board and would be great for the people watching.