Britain’s stand-up paddlesurf (SUP) champions will be decided in a winner-takes-all national championship event at Watergate Bay in October.
The Extreme Academy will host the British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) championships on the weekend of 15th and 16th October 2011 in an event which will attract the UK’s best exponents of this emerging form of surfing.

Competitors will take part in two different disciplines, with divisions for men and women. A long-distance ocean paddle race will see competitors cover up to five miles, requiring skill, technique and stamina; while wave-riding skills will be tested in a performance surfing competition.

Competition organiser Richard Marsh said: “Watergate Bay is one of the UK’s premier watersports venues; from its consistent surf conditions to the natural amphitheatre, it gives competitors the opportunity to showcase their skills, and spectators the chance to see the action.”

The surfing competition in which competitors will show off their tricks on the waves will take place on Saturday, with the distance race from Watergate Bay to Porth and back taking place on Sunday.

Also taking place on the Sunday is the Westcountry Watersports Wave Expression competition, followed at 3pm by a prize giving ceremony.

As well as competing for the championship, the surfers will also battle it out for the coveted title of ‘Watergate Bay Waterman’ sponsored by The Beach Hut. This fiercely coveted title will be awarded to the competitor with the highest combined score from both the men’s wave and distance competitions, who will win a meal for two at The Beach Hut restaurant.

For more information on the event go to ipaddle board – for entries please contact the event organiser, by emailing Richard Marsh.

We hope you enjoy

Fantastic event put together by the Cigale Surf Club last weekend in the crystal clear bay of St Tropez France. Over 100 competitors came from all over Europe with even Bart de Zwart the Dutch/Hawaiien coming in from Hawaii.

The team relay was the first race of the day that got everyone fired up. 3 men one woman with adrenaline filled beach transition relay sprint in the sand !!. A great start of the day for Team NIDECKER who finished second.

Fantastic atmosphere on the beach where most of the leading SUP brands presented their range as well as having visitors test boards. To allow the competitors to be in top shape after the grueling relay, the most important race of the weekend; the “BOP style” (4 laps with a beach chicane run on each lap) 7km Elite SUP Race was held just after 4pm. with a beach start, the competitors lined up to the instruction of the beach marshall. Eric Terrien took an great start, to lead the Elite race from start to finish with 1minute 20 seconds lead ahead of the pack. Eric wins the 7km Elite Race with his stock NIDECKER All Water Race 12’6 in 41 minutes 55 seconds.

The 15 kilometer long distance race took place along the St Maxime coastline on Sunday with a 7km upwind buoy and then 7km downwind course to enter the bay with the last kilometer upwind in St Maxime’s center. A great fight between Bart and Eric both on 14′ Race boards, side by side for much of the distance with great sportsmanship from the 2 athletes, the battle was fierce. Bart finally is able to pull ahead and lead the race finishing in 1 hours 38 minutes 56 seconds with Eric close behind and both riders more than 2 minutes ahead of the pack.

Eric Terrien the grand winner of the weekend walks away with the beautifully crafted first International Mediterranean SUP Race trophy. Eric, who by winning the Elite Race and placing second in the 15 km long distance race, leads to win the trophy with 24 seconds ahead of Bart de Zwart !

Nidecker welcomes Oliver Garet who just joined the NIDECKER SUP Team and placed 3rd in the long distance race 12’6 stock class category.

Robert Etienne founder of NIDECKER SUP who just entered the veteran division.. was happy to join in for the team relay helping in the effort to finish second and participated in both the Elite Race 7km and 15 km long distance race. Go Bobby go !!

What a great event and what a fantastic result for Nidecker team once more.

European Endurance Paddle Board Race

Statement from the Paddle Round the Pier Team

It is with regret that we have been forced to make the decision to cancel the 2010 Euro-Enduro SUP race. This is down to only receiving 12 entrants (after we had over 40 last year).

Because of the logistics of organising a proper distance race we had to know in advance the numbers of participants. This all cost time and money. The financial commitment required is around £4k minimum as we have to cover safety boat fuel, air support, race vests, insurance and prize money and so clearly it is not a viable option with so few entries. The organisers hope that eventually there will be more support from the SUP community and that we can reintroduce a proper distance race at Paddle Round The Pier in the future.

It must be understood that there is a very big difference in being able to turn up and register on the day and race around marker buoys over a short distance, which is easy and straightforward to organise. To organise a safe and well managed distance race take time, money, a great deal of paperwork and the ability to understand numbers of entrants well in advance. All these factors have to be written into planning documents and submitted to the relevant H&S departments.

The Euro Endurance 20 mile paddle board race has become a major feature of the famous Paddle Round the Pier beach festival in brighton and 2011 is set to be yet again a record buster. Dates 2 & 3 July 2011.

20 MILE ENDURO ENTRY FORM

This years 20 mile Endurance race has had a change of format… instead of Brighton Pier to Worthing Pier and back 2011 will see the race start at Littlehampton and finish in Brighton some 20 miles distance.. This should be a downwinder allowing the competitors to take advantage of the tide and whatever wind conditions there may be giving the racers chance to consider their race plan and tactics.

Race fees for the Euro Enduro will be £55 which will include the coach to the start line… the PRTP team would ask everyone to download the sponsorship to help raise as much as they can, so that they can continue to grow the amount of money that Paddle Round the Pier gives to all the worthy charities… 2010 saw the staggering amount of over £30,000 pounds go charity and we would hope that this year they can raise even more…

You can find out more at Paddle Round the Pier

Despite the lingering threat of the Tsunami Warning the C4 Waterman Kalapaki Challenge presented by the Garden Isle Tri-fest achieved all its goals Saturday.

A grass roots event designed to support the growing SUP community on Kauai and entice cross-over athletes from the triathlon walk-of-life; the twisted bow-tie race course was both challenging and fun.

C4 Kalapaki Challenge

With a starting line that saw equal female and male entrants the vibe was equal to the pre-SUPsplosion races. Competitors raced on what ever they could lay their hands on, I wouldn’t say they beg, borrowed or stole their equipment but more they came with what they had. No shame, just local style. But amongst the foley was a few stand out performances. Topher Inman, at 12 was the youngest competitor to finish the course. Leleo Kinimaka whose father had run the beach boy services at Kalapaki beach when he was a child, won the mens division, and relatively unknown Mariko Strickland, 24 completely dominated the women.

C4 Kalapaki Race

At the end of the race there were plenty of happy faces. Boards lay in the shade and competitors and family relaxed on the grass in front of the Marriott Resort enjoying another beautiful day in Kauai. Many thanks to JJ Johnson, The Vierra’s, Marcelo and the Kauai community.

We’ll see you next year!

1 SUP LELEO KINIMAKA: M-Standup Paddleboard 1 12:04
2 SUP GREG ANCHETA M-Standup Paddleboard 2 12:26
3 SUP KELLY HUNT M-Standup Paddleboard 3 12:30

1 SUP MARIKO STRICKLAND F-Standup Paddleboard 1 13:36
2 SUP AEA LAOLA F-Standup Paddleboard 2 15:53
3 SUP TRACY VIERRA F-Standup Paddleboard 3 16:44

The second annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup will be held March 12, 2011 at Baby Beach, Dana Point Harbor. Please join Mickey and his friends for a day of paddling fun, a Waterman Expo, camaraderie and a delicious BBQ. The event kicks off the 2011 Stand-Up Paddleboard schedule and is designed for SUP enthusiasts to get ready for another exciting SUP season. Event proceeds to benefit local organizations such as the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association DSBIA and DLSA Doheny Longboard Surfing Association.

As part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, The Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup will begin with the Fun Paddle around Dana Point Harbor Island. The Fun Paddle will be launched after introduction of Mickey Munoz and the elite Mongoose Cup Safety Paddler team and a vital “Rules of the Road” paddling safety meeting. Paddlers are encouraged to always practice safe paddling etiquette, as well as, assist in keeping the harbor clear of litter & garbage.

“With the explosion of stand-up paddle boarding there are a lot more people paddling in the harbor. Safety and etiquette have become much more critical. Since Dana Point has become a Mecca for paddle sports, we wanted to have an event that’s message is about the importance of water safety and paddling etiquette”. “We also want to take the opportunity to demonstrate stewardship towards one of our favorite places to paddle, Dana Point Harbor, and keep it clean”, says surf legend Mickey Munoz.

The Mongoose Cup will have an exciting and informative Waterman Expo that include surf & paddling vendors, SUP sport activities & competitions, clinics on board repair, training techniques and demonstrations. Exhibitors will have SUP pros on site giving instruction throughout the day. Attendees will be able to see and try all the latest SUP equipment, as well as, pick up helpful pointers and information on the sport of stand-up paddling.

After lunch, participants will be organized into “Luck of the Draw” relay teams that will race for the Mongoose Cup trophy. Each elite Mongoose Cup Safety Paddler will be required to pick from the bucket names of three participant paddlers to complete their 4 person teams. Mongoose Cup Safety Paddlers are elite level watermen & women (legends & champions of the sport) who all share a great friendship and association with the event icon Mickey Munoz. The start and finish for the flat-water relay race will be at Baby Beach. To be eligible for the Mongoose Cup teams must race 12’6″ & under SUP boards.

The Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup is an event open to everyone. The Fun Paddle is open to any type of paddling craft and the Mongoose Cup will be contested solely as a stand-up paddleboard relay race. The entry fee is $40 and participants will receive a commemorative Mongoose Cup long sleeve tee shirt, cool promo items from sponsors, a delicious BBQ lunch (sponsored by the City of Dana Point) and chance to paddle with surf legend Mickey Munoz.

The Mongoose Cup event starts at 9:00 A.M. with the Fun Paddle. The Waterman Expo will be open 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. The Kid’s SUP Races will be at 11:00 A.M. The “Luck of the Draw” Relays will start at 1230 P.M.

For Mongoose Cup online registration

The Mongoose Cup is sponsored by the City of Dana Point, Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point Festival of Whales, County of Orange.

About Dana Point Festival of the Whales
The Dana Point Festival of Whales is one of Southern California’s largest seafaring celebrations and reaches out to whale admirers around the world. The Festival draws over 100,000 visitors each year. Festival highlights include an opening day parade, street faire and farmers market, art exhibits, classic car exhibits, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, interpretive crafts, kids activities and of course, whale watching excursions that will allure even the most steadfast landlubber out to sea. For more information visit Festival of Whales

For Event information:
Event Director: Barrett Tester
Tel. (949) 276-4431×216
Email: barrett.tester@gmail.com
Event Co-director: Nyle Schafhauser
Tel. (714) 262-8370
Email: SurfCar1

Date: Saturday, March 12th 2011: Race Start: 10:00am

Event Information: This race is for all walks of life and athletic abilities no matter if you are here to compete or on an SUP retreat, the C4 Waterman Kalapaki Challenge will tick-your-box.

Photo: Danafoto.com

Course: The Men’s and Women’s 2 mile course goes in and out and around the picturesque Kalapaki Bay while the Under 16 short course division offers a perfect introductory distance and experience.

Registration: Register Online. There will also be beach side registration on race day morning from 8:00 to 9:30 am. Men’s and Women’s $40. Junior (under 16 short course) $35.

Timing: This race will be timed with the world famous Chip Timing System.

Board Length: SUP 12’6 max length allowed. Fixed Fin. No Rudder. Leash optional

Divisions: Men’s & Women’s – 2 miles, Under 16 (short course) 1 mile.

Awards: Each participant will receive a souvenir event T-shirt and Finisher Medal. Top 3 Men & Women Division & Top 3 Under 16 Boys & Girls Division receive special awards and gift package from C4 Waterman.

Race Questions Contact: Liam Wilmott 808 230 7712. OR email Liam

Athletes don’t miss the boat and register now ! We ask you to register ASAP so we can guarantee your spot in the races. Due to overwhelming demand, safety and permitting issues we ask all competitors to register sooner than later so we can order sandals, tees, jerseys and food for the event. If you wait until the event dates to register we cannot guarantee we will have your specific sandal or tees size available and the entry fee will be more expensive.

Make sure you dont miss out and Click Here to Register

The Fort Wave Classic, is already a traditional windsurf event when there is light wind the alternative ……. the SUP with waves of a very considerable size..

]]> http://www.air-head.com/2011/02/fuerteventura-the-fort-wave-classic/feed/ 1 http://www.air-head.com/2011/02/stand-up-world-tour-kai-lenny-takes-1st/ http://www.air-head.com/2011/02/stand-up-world-tour-kai-lenny-takes-1st/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:24:21 +0000 admin http://www.air-head.com/?p=965 The Final News from the 2011 Stand Up World Tour

Final Results:
1st Kai Lenny, Maui, HI, USA
2nd Robin Johnston, Oahu, HI, USA
3rd Peyo Lizarazu, The Basque Country, France
4th Zane Schweitzer, Maui, HI, USA