SUP Australia welcomes Balin and Thule on board as gold and silver sponsors for the Victorian state titles in January 2012.
 
Balin provide a range accessories for Suppers including SUP covers, SUP paddle covers, leashes, deck pads and soft racks.  Balin catalogue can be downloaded from their website or drop into a Balin stockist and check out the SUP range.   www.balin.com.au
 
The Thule Group is a world leader in products and brands that make it easy for people to transport their equipment securely, safely and in style.   Thule providing these great prizes SUP TAXI: The Thule 810 - SUP Taxi Paddleboard Carrier is a premier locking stand-up paddleboard (SUP) carrier that delivers unmatched board security combined with a convenient, universal mounting design.   SLING PACK:  1.9 litre Sling Pack.  All purpose backpack with multiple pockets for laptop, maps, nutrition, hydration, sports accessories.   (RRP $129 each). www.thule.com.au  
 
The SUP-A Victorian State titles will be held over two weekends. 
 
It encompass:
- SUP Surfing at Gunnamatta Beach on January 7/8, 2012
 
and race weekend
- an ocean racing downwind 10km event at Pt Leo on January 21 
-  flat water races – long race 6 km and short race of 1500m, at Dromana on January 22. 
 
Competition entry can be made online at the SUP Australia website (www.sup-australia.com).   Course information and maps are also online.
 
Event board classes cover 14’ and over, 14’and under, 12’ 6”, 12’ and under and surfing. 
 
Event divisions include open men/women, senior men/women (45+) and junior boys/girls (under 18).  Separate divisions for men and women.
 
Gunnamatta is one of Victoria’s premier surfing locations and spectators will be able to see some great stand up paddle surfing action from some of the best local sup surfers.

The downwind race is a challenging event and not for the faint hearted.  Depending on the wind conditions the race will start at either Flinders Ocean Beach – Mushroom Reef, or Pt Leo.    This is a spectacular line of coast, national park with some amazing scenery.
 
The flat water events at Dromana Beach are an ideal location for the long and short races.   The  more experienced racers will challenge the 6 km.  For new suppers, the 1500 metre race provides an ideal entry race
 
Everyone is welcome and those new to SUP can come along to see what the sport is all about. 
 
Exhibitors will be showcasing the latest SUP equipment and related products.  There will a range of boards available for free test riding throughout the day.
 
Spectators can try ‘supping’ at free SUP clinics (flat water locations only).
 
Find out about enrolling into SUP lessons with a Learn to SUP School or how to join a SUP club. 
 
Or you can simply enjoy watching a new and exciting sport.
 
See the SUPA facebook for video and photos of the recent NSW SUP surfing titles.
www.facebook.com/supaustralia
 
 
Enter VIC competition events, online at:   www.sup-australia.com/events/vic-titles