Well, it's official - the boys and girls from the Sunshine Coast took on the Gold coast last weekend in the Coast of Origin Surf competition. In one of the closest results in the events history, the Sunny coast took the title by only one (yes, ONE) point, decided by the final short board finals at iconic Duranbah beach.

Over the weekend, conditions ranged from 0.5 to 2 foot swell - perfect conditions for stand up paddle surfing. While the short boards struggled to generate enough power to perform, the stand up paddle boards were in their element allowing competitors to put on a great display of surfing for the spectators. Some say that the small swell was a big advantage to the Sunshine Coast surfers, who are used to smaller swell after a lacklustre surfing season last summer. The sunny coast SUP surfers say it's nonsense though - and with such a close result, conditions were challenging for all surfers.  

The chance to show off the sport of Stand up paddling in front of a group of hardcore shortboard riders was a fantastic opportunity for SUP as a legitimate surfing style. Anthony Swan from the Sunshine coast says:

"Well done to all those who put the effort in and got involved. From the Sunshine Coast end it has been great to see how the appreciation of SUP has grown through this event. They are interested in having SUP at some of their main comps and not as just a add on or thrown in; but a scheduled event.
The other benefit I have found is how the short board clubs are really appreciating the ability of the SUP Surfer. This will have a flow on effect in the local breaks and assist with stopping the pathetic SUP bash by some when not justified."

Over the next few days you can expect to see a heap of pictures and video from the event. Keep an eye on the forums for the latest, and in the spirit of the competition - we don't have names for the results - all you need to know is..... the Sunshine Coast rules!!! 

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