Port Phillip Cup Wrap & Pics

The script couldn't have been written any better... after a season of SUP racing that has seen us battle through rain, 30 knot winds and everything in between, the weather decided to turn it on for a great morning on the water.

Right off the mark in the main race, SUPhq/Naish Team Rider Rupert Lancashire dominated on his 17'0 Naish Javelin. He was the first around the opening buoy and never looked like giving anyone else a look in, in the end he was nearly 2 minutes ahead of Heath Meldrum (17'0 Naish Jav), his nearest competitor in the Open Board Class. SUPhq/Naish Team Rider Christian Parson's took 3rd in the Open Class just ahead of previous winner Dave Hunt, with Mark Bradke rounding out the top 5. In the women's event it was Lucy Bell coming across the line strongly for the win.

In the 12'6 Class it was a seesaw battle from the start with SUPhq Rider Chris Sal (Fanatic, 12'6 Red Rocket) taking line honours just ahead of Cam Hosking (12'6 Naish Javelin). Leon Blachos came in third with Warwick Lee only a few seconds behind him. Peak Adventure Rider Jarad Kohler was right up there to round out the top 5.

The women's 12'6 class saw Emma Morris taking line honours from up and coming young gun Kristi Page.

The Men's Masters saw Dave Hunt cross first for the win with Leon Blachos right behind him in second. In the women's masters it was Kathy Naomidis putting in a great effort to take the win!

The junior divisions were well contested this year and from the 20 or so youngins competing in the 'grommet' events it looks like we're going to have a very tough time keeping up with the depth of junior SUP talent that will be coming through in the next couple of years. The boys open saw Jono Kale repeat his win from last year and James Carew coming through in second. Kristi Page took out the junior girls from her sister Nesha. Congratulations guys!

The social race was a single lap of the same course and it was great to see such good numbers of new SUPers getting involved and having fun out there. The Men's Social Class was won by Famon Wong with Stuart Thomas in second position, while Rachel Forbes took out the Women's Class just ahead of Heather Nordberg.
With the main event finishing up it was time for the fun and games to begin. The Earthcare St Kilda crew were working hard on the BBQ keeping everyone fuelled up and it was time for the kids races next.

In the 9 and under girls race, Holly and Sam proved to be too good, laughing their way around the course and taking out the top spot. Dom Frederico showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the future as he dominated the 9 and under boys race. In the 10 and over event Emily Frederico was too good and came through for the win.

The 50m Sprints were entertaining as always with a mass of vying for positions around the first buoy turning to a few falls as always. The 50m Men's Sprint was won by Dave Hunt with Christian Parsons taking out 2nd position. In the 50m Women's Sprint Lucy Bell crossed the line for the win with Emma Morris in 2nd position.

As always the Team Challenge was a good laugh to watch with plenty of shenanigans out there on the water. It was local St Kilda Crew Vincent Passemier, Julian and Louise Thompson and Lenny Furlong who crossed the line first ahead of the other 8 teams.

The Board and Pet Race was also fantastic to watch with animals, friends and family of all different sizes making up the 'Pet' component on the front of the racers boards. The most impressive effort was big Dave Hunt crossing the line after paddling 3 of his kids around the course on the front of the board. Nobody could stop Allan however as Charlie the dog kept him on task and pointed him across the line for the win.

Although Paul Harrington (PT Woody) put in an absolutely brilliant effort in the Oz Day Theme Best Outfit award, he was pipped at the post by the Morris Famiy, who were all 100% Aussie'd up throughout the day.

Congratulations to all that got involved throughout the day. From the young guns through to the titans of the sport, it was great to see everyone in action and having fun!

From an organisers perspective we were absolutely stoked with the energy, excitement and participation throughout the day, it was so much fun sharing our passion for the sport with like minded people.


A huge thanks must go to:

- the EARTHCARE ST KILDA crew that helped with everything from an early morning beach clean, marshalling, BBQ and regos and were always there when you needed them.

- Aidan from NAISH who was there all day demo'ing boards and getting into the spirit of the event, sponsoring prizes and helping out.
- Fanatic for getting behind the event with some great prizes.
- Nobile Kiteboarding for their very generous sponsorship.

- GoPro Cameras for their generous sponsorship.

- the Kahuna / Hive / Supwheels Crew who were there all day demo'ing, getting involved and generously donated some great prizes for the event.

- MC Nic who on his birthday lit up the beach with his colourful MC'ing for the day!

- The African Drumming Crew who came along and even further lifted the atmosphere of the event, was awesome to have you guys involved!

- Sandra, Stan, Vinny, Jono, Sophia, Clement and the SUPhq crew who helped out throughout the day and made it happen.

- Our generous sponsors who make all of this possible... Naish / Fanatic / Kahuna / SUPwheels / Hiive Swimwear / Southern Suburbs Physiotherapy / APT Travel / Phamish / Republica St Kilda Beach / Peak Adventure / Carve Sunglasses...

- And most importantly... the participants who came along, brought friends, got involved, and made the day a huge success.

Looking forward to another great event next year!


Full Finish List for Open, Masters and 12'6 divisions...



Finish times for junior and social class races...


Hope you enjoy some pics from the day... thanks Arterium Creations for taking shots on the day!

Props to Chris, Nick, Phill and Mick on directing such a great event. Thank you to all the sponsors who supported the event and the crowds of competitors that attended.

It really was a fantastic event for the whole family and an outstanding way to enjoy Australia Day!

Phill

Hi,

Great day and event!

This was my first SUP event (and my wife) and having competed in state/national/international kayaking events, this one was really well organised, great fun, and a fantastic day out.

Probably my best Australia Day yet (including the first ever Big Day Out in Sydney!) and got me (and the wife) hooked on SUP racing, joining SUP Vic and getting involved in the sport.

Thanks to the organisers, MC (very amusing) and sponsor (especially Aidan from Naish who lent me a board), Earthcare and everyone there who was friendly, welcoming and chill .

Looking forward to the next race in a couple of weeks

And got my eye on one of those sexy paddles for next year...

Regards,
Darren