Whether its a fun race, an epic downwinder or a grueling endurance race, there's a style of Stand Up Paddling for everyone. Even if you're new to the sport, Stand Up Paddling clubs all over Australia are keen to get you racing.

When someone mentions SUP, not only do we think of toned and tanned guys & gals floating on water - several styles spring to mind. Many boards can cross over between disciplines, so there's no need to spend a truck load of cash on equipment.

Why restrict yourself to one area! Here's a bit of info on the different styles you might like to branch out into. Who knows, you might love it!
Downwinders: 20 knot days aren't just for kitesurfers! All you need is two people with two cars, and you've got yourself a downwinder! Simply meet at the downwind location, leave a car there - and bring both of you and your gear to a point of your choice UPWIND of where you started. You could get blown all the way back to your car without paddling, but that's just lazy! Put in a few strokes here and there to catch runners or little waves, and surf your merry way back downwind. Make sure you wear a leg rope, because your board might blow away faster than you can swim! Use common sense, and have a PFD if you think you may enter offshore/exposed waters. Once you've done a few downwinders to get your sea legs, go on longer missions, with more people, in MORE wind - to make up an EPIC downwinder.

Competitive Racing: Some racing IS for sheep stations (or at least a fat wad of cash!). Competitive racing isn't for everyone, this is the land of 110% carbon and boards worth more than a small car. You don't need the latest and greatest gear though - a long board with a pointy front bit will work just fine. All you will need is guns of steel, and a competitive streak. Most racing is done around a series of bouys, which means a fast start, straight line speed and fast turns all play a crucial part in winning. Hook up with your local SUP club for regular race meetings, or travel the Australian (or world) circuit and take on the high rollers! If you want to check out some crazy gear and rock hard abs - Check out the Malfunction event from the 23rd to 27th March at Kingscliffe, NSW.


Endurance Racing: Reckon you could paddle over 140 kilometres in one hit? It's been done - and the record still stands to be broken! Endurance racing is normally from one point to another, and can involve anything from massive swells to 40 knots of wind. Racing over a long distance requires a different skill set to short course racing - stamina and pacing are the most critical components here - with one mistake costing valuable energy. Start training for an endurance race in flat water, by paddling back and forward (like 1km each way) for a long period of time. Don't jump straight into the heavy stuff like Hawaii's Battle of the Paddle, which only involves paddling the crazy stretch between TWO ISLANDS! Once again, it all starts at your local SUP Club.

So, no matter what you're into - where you're from, or what gear you've got. You can try something new this weekend. Get in contact with your local club or shop, and start SUP racing!!

Check out the Club Talk Forums for details on your local club.

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