SUP Australia, the peak body for the sport of stand up paddle in Australia, gains momentum with some great racing and prize money.


NEW SOUTH WALES
Race events were held over the weekend of 18-19 February on the Central Coast.
There was great turn out, with fantastic sunny weather and ideal conditions on both days of the event.  
 
Downwind Race
The downwind race direction wasn’t decided until on the day.   There were 44 participants, racing from Terrigal Haven to Toowoon Bay  Sam Parker took the lead and raced into 1st place in a time of 1 hour 1 minute to claim the $1000 cash prize (14ft and under) sponsored by ASI SUP training and accreditation.   Will Anido, the central coast’s talent wasn’t far behind at 1 h 8 minutes.  A surprise 3rd place to another local boy, Brett Jones, at 1 hr 11 minutes. It was his first downwind SUP event, on a borrowed board, but did have previous downwind prone paddling champion experience.
 
Terrene Black, placed 1st in the women to capture the  $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Jamieson Park Paddle.   In 1 hr 14 minutes, Terrene further solidified her position as undoubtedly the best female paddler in Australia.   2nd place to Neelie Herbert who recently had a young baby but that didn’t deter her.   3rd place to Michelle Malehden.   Cash prize 2nd and 3rd  of $200 and $100 were also sponsored by Jamieson Park Paddle.
 
Full downwind race results 
 
 
Flat Water Races
6 km race and 1500 metres
Held on the Sunday 19th February, at Memorial Park, the Entrance, Central Coast.  Set in the heart of the popular town centre, exhibitors were kept busy doing demos for potential new suppers and the spectators enjoyed the races, cheering on their favourites.     It was picture perfect conditions, some great racing with close finishes and new talent being displayed.   Thank you to The Entrance Town Centre Management who helped sponsor the event.
 
Also thank you to local SUP club, SUP Central, who hosted the events.  President Rob Shaw put in a great effort, rallying this team of trusty volunteers, and even organising the presentation and social dinner at the Shelly Beach Golf Club on the Saturday night.   
 
Full race results
 
Photos and video to be uploaded shortly on the SUPA facebook
 
 
QUEENSLAND
 
Held on 11-12 February at Sandgate Brisbane.  The weather was again perfect.  Set on the picturesque foreshore at Sandgate overlooking Morton Bay out to Tangoolma Island.    It was the perfect setting for watching the races and cheering the competitors to shore.
 
Downwind
11 February.  Jake Jensen was the overall mens winner, cash prize $1,000 sponsored by ASI SUP training and accreditation . Close finish.  2nd was Kelly Margetts and Dylan Magee 3rd place.  It was a close finish all 3 finalists battling it out to get the $1000 cash.  There was only 27 seconds between 1st and 3rd
 
The overall Womens winner was Alison Fullagar. Jayne Ryeland 2nd  and Sondra Purser 3rd.  $450 sponsored by Hive Swimwear vouchers. 
 
 
Flat Water Races
12 February.  6 km race. 1st, Tony Ruault, 2nd Trevor Tunnington, 3rd Andrew Hallam.  
1500 metres flat water race.  1st Trevor Tunnington, 2nd Tony Frassy, 3rd Tim Von Ruetzen
 
Full Results
 
See here for over 200 race photos    
 
 
Next SUPA events:
 
Qld SUP Surfing titles on 3 March 2012, Bilinga beach.  Open to Queenslanders.  Register online 
 
Nationals race events 28-29 April at Newcastle.  Entry is open to all.
 
SUP Surfing national titles on 26-27 April Newcastle.