It's about time we got some decent swell in a competition, and what a stroke of luck that the NSW stand up paddle titles were being held at the same time! A solid 5-6 foot swell rolled in this weekend to a mixed response from the entrants. 

If you've ever tried paddling a stand up paddle board through waves, you know how hard it is. The competitors had to contend with the 5-6 foot beach break, and dodge the occasional larger set rolling through to shake things up. Normally such events get skunked with 1-2 foot messy swell where the competitors struggle to find a decent wave - and getting a solid barrel would be wishful thinking. 

This event saw many-a-barrel and some massive hacks - much to the delight of the spectators lining the beach. There's been some pretty incredible footage emerge already, make sure you check out the forums for the latest videos and photos. 

Wave riding wasn't the only discipline run over the weekend, racing proved to be even more challenging than surfing. Strapping a leggy on between you and a 14 foot race board isn't usually a big deal, but when that board is stuck in a 5 foot wave and hauling you underwater - that's not fun. Even the girls had a red hot go of it - and the conditions made sure that the best paddler won. Of particular note was Hannah Finlay-Jones's stellar performance on a 9'3" wave board, which would usually be left for dead in a flat water race. 

The mens heats also gave the spectators something to cheer about - there were several nose dives with spectacular consequences, check out the photo below for proof. As for the results - well the right men and women won fair and square, QLD is going to have a tough battle on their hands at the upcoming State of Origin SUP comp. For a full rundown on the event and stacks of pictures, have a browse through the Stand up Paddle Forums here.

Check out the results below. 

Mens Open:
1 - Beau Nixon
2 - Dogman
3 - Ben Apps 
4 - Noel Graham 

Mens Over 35:
1 - Noel Graham 
2 - Goatman 
3 - Adam Robinson 
4 - Casso

Womens:
1 - Terrene Black 
2 - Erin Dark 
3 - Hannah Finlay-Jones 
4 - Melissa McManus 
5 - Elyse Comerford 


The Race Results:

Mens:
1 - Dogman 
2 - Michael Stokes 
3 - Simon Dodd 
4 - Jason McManus
5 - Richard Finlay-Jones 
6 - Casso 
7 - Dylan Henry 

Womens:
1 - Terrene Black
2 - Hannah Finlay-Jones
3 - Elyse Comerford

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