QLD Paddler takes out the Merimbula SUP Classic
That's it for another year!
Small waves, light winds and beautiful sunshine were the perfect recipe for the three day event down in southern NSW, and it's made the 'dirty second' (that's thirty second for those not in the know) Merimbula Classic one to remember. With plenty of surfing, a few downwinders and even a celebrity appearance of Ryan Fulton who's paddling on his way down south to Melbourne. Oh and of course there was stacks of food cooked on the famous barbecue and the biggest night the Merimbula pub has ever experienced, but that's a given considering the usual shenanigans that happen during the event every year!
As usual the Merimbula Sailboard Club put on a 'bloody good show' for all the competitors, and nobody argued with the winner of the event despite there being no formal heats, judging or scoring. It's a pretty amazing feat when you consider that 32 years ago, the club decided to have a small competition for windsurfers, and now, it's grown up to include kiteboarding and stand up paddle boarding which all add their own flavour (and entry list!) to the event.
Here's what the event organisers had to say about the weekend:
"What a ripper. The weather was great, the wind blew its ring out, the waves were out and about, and we all had a bloody good time. The gathering of the surf clan was blessed. John Smythe would have it no other way !
Fantastic performances on the water saw everyone who was going hard do some pretty amazing things. And then a surprise twist in the event saw a dude paddle in on his fund raising marathon paddle from Queensland to Melbourne… what next?
The club would like to say a huge thank you to all the sponsors who contributed so generously to the prize pool. There was 3 overseas trips, 3 boards , 3 kites, 7 paddles, accommodation vouchers for contestants to return to Merimbula next year, clothing, sunglasses, accessories, and a range of other goodies. Christmas certainly came early for our visitors this year.
Thank you to all the club members who put in such an almighty effort. And thank you to all the competitors who contributed to the fun throughout the whole 4 days."
So that's it for another year! Next year everyone will making the pilgrimage to Merimbula once again, possibly for the 'dirty turd' event? Maybe that one's a little too far...
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) SURFING
1. Geoff Breen Sunshine Bch Qld.
2. Andy Davies Lennox Head
3. Kai Bates Mollymoo
Avalon Beach, NSW
