Tasmania isn't the most hospitable place for getting in the water at the best of times, let alone in the middle of winter.

Although most people mostly prefer sunny days and boardshorts, dropping into winter swells, warm and toasty in a 6mm wetty has a whole different vibe.

We're talking the Tasmanian Winter Classic and state stand up paddling titles. It's being held on the 22nd of June 2013 in the gorgeous little beach of Scamander in Tasmania, and you (yes, you!) are invited.

As a fun event, anybody is welcome to come along no matter your skill level or experience. As the guys from the Tassie SUP Club say: 

"For us average punters there will be lots of good waves and lots of laughs to be had, both in, and out of the surf. Yes, we will all be surfing in the same comp' but I can assure you that there will be all levels of surfer in the event, from almost raw beginners to seasoned pro's - actually most of us are novice to intermediate surfers, so everyone is welcome and will be well looked after, so do not feel intimidated to enter because I can guarantee you that, no matter how badly you surf, there WILL be someone waaaaay worse than you."

Music to the ears of all stand up paddlers, and a great way to not only encourage more participants to get into competition surfing, but also to entice some of the more northern paddlers to make the treck down to Tassie, suit up in some rubber and have a crack at what Scamander has to offer (which looks pretty awesome!). 

If you're keen on heading down, check out the thread running on the Seabreeze.com.au forums about it. Or for some great tips on how to partake in the event, here's some tips for you from Dr SUP. 

HOT TIP
To be at your best on the day .. 22 Jun .. make sure you have plenty of wetsuit booties sessions in the meantime. Nothing worse than re-adjusting to booties.
Sincerely Dr. SUP

HOT TIP 2
At this stage you should be building up a conspiracy against your closest rivals .. occupy their favourate carpark .. death stare them .. & etc.
Sincerely Dr. SUP

HOT TIP 3
Beverages are a very important consumable to have on the beach at all times .. beer, for energy and overcoming pre comp nerves ( but if you are from the south bring your own eski of Cascade .. Boags upsets the digestive bacterior ) Also be prepared to go out for capachinos .. to bribe the judges. Judges can't resist a chino and chocolate eclaire .. as a matter of fact chino and choco eclaires were once banned from comp areas .. the placings were being effected too much.
Sincerely Dr. SUP

For more great tips like these, you'll have to read through the event thread. Check it out here. 

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