A bunch of Aussie are over here at the moment in California competing in yesterday's Hennessey International and then next weekends Battle of the Paddle at Dana Point.
It started off freezing yesterday morning waiting for the race but then was hot and almost uncomfortable during the race but conditions were pretty good apparently for San Fran. It had been very foggy the few days leading up to the race and you couldn't even see Alcatraz. Very cool though paddling with fog horns blasting all around you and seals popping up right next to your board. Have met some really nice paddlers who can't do enough to help you out in any way.
There was a 6 mile Stock SUP 12'6" and a 9 mile Unlimited SUP who did the same course as the paddleboarders. About 50 to 60 in each race I'm guessing. There are no officials results up yet but here's what I know. All Aussie SUP competed in the Stock SUP. These Gold Coast paddlers did unreal and we should be proud of them.
Jaimi Mitchell 1st Paddleboard
Shakira Westorp 2nd Female Stock SUP
Billy Watson 3rd Male Stock SUP
Mike DeBetta 1st Over 40 Paddleboard (4th overall I think??)
Jocelyn Kemp 6th ?? Female Stock SUP
Not sure where Danny & I finished. Both about 10th to 12th I'm guessing.
Here's some pics I got off Hennessey's Facebook Page.
Thomas Maximum Shahinian won the Unlimited SUP followed by Thomas Gallagher and then Chuck Patterson.
Can't remember the name of the guy who won the Stock SUP but Ernie Johnson (EJ) was 2nd and Billy Watson 3rd.
Lining Up (Danny closest to camera on Hobie)
Race Start (Danny & Billy leading the start but out of this shot on left side. You can see there wash. Shakira in front in this pic on blue Lahui Kai, me closest to camera on Bark, Jocelyn next to me blue board Lahui Kai). Paddleboarders and Lond Course SUP in back ground going around far island that you can't see due to the fog...
Paddleboarders Race Start with Alcatraz in background...
Coming back from Alcatraz
Jaimi Mitchell
EJ (2nd Stock SUP) This board flys ... demo'd later by Billy and Danny.
