When we went to Corona last year Kristi was a paddler on a mission to select a race board as she wanted to focus more on racing in 2012 to cross train and increase endurance and fitness. After trialing just about every board there was at Corona she fell in love with the Fanatic Red Rocket. The only problem was there were non available.

Life often has some surprises in store and you just never know what might be around the corner? SUP Bus's Mick and Phill have sponsored Kristi for about 2 years and we really appreciated their support and the fantastic vibe they bring to the sport especially the Port Phillip Cup event. We were stoked when Chris and Nick joined the team and SUPHQ was formed.

Out of the blue Chris rang us one night and had a chat and with some help from Fanatics Adam Quin, Kristi got to get Red Rocket Fanatical about racing. I have to say it was a pleasure talking to Adam and Chris as they truely want to help develop the kids and that shows not just in words but also in thier actions. This doesnt just apply to SUP but also to junior development in Kite and Windsurfing as well.

Kristi got a call the night before Australia day that the red rocket would be there tomorrow, she didnt get much sleep that night as her mind was ticking over in anticipation. The morning came the car was packed and then off to St Kilda for the race. When we got there the board was still in the box on the beach and with a bit of help minutes later Kristi's dream race board was sitting on the beach ready for the race.

The time for the race came and Kristi hit the water with a Cheshire Cat smile and an all time spring in her step as the hooter sounded for the start of the Junior race. 27 mins later she powered home hitting the beach second overall in the Junior and Social race and 1st Junior Girl. Put simply she loves the board in her words " It Rocks"

Kristi is now getting Fanatical for the SUPHQ Race Team.

A huge thank you to Mick, Phill, Chris and Nick at SUPHQ and Adam from Fanatic.

Dreams do come true.

Phill and Kristi

Good news -great to see companies supporting both juniors and the sport- smart if you ask me.

Thanks guys,

Greg Kristi loves the board and I have had a paddle on it in flat water and it supports my 115kegs easily and appears to fly through the water even when you stop paddling the run is amazing.

Gareth its not until you talk to people like Adam, Chris, Phill and Mick that you realize just how much is going on in the background and how much they put into developing the juniors. The last 3 races in Melbourne have had 20 plus kids wanting to race its a fantastic view of what the future has in store.

Thanks Casso, Kristi's is very dedicated to what she does and puts in a lot of hours both in the surf and on the river more now she is hooked on the racing scene. Its great to see companies supporting the juniors and especially the girls. I hope your well and truely on the mend and back rippin it up soon, nice cover on SUP Journal BTW.

Woody, DJ, Jonathon, Lacey, Casso, Session and many other breezers have been very gracious with their time toughts and support on racing and surfing, we are very greatful for everyones help.

With Kristi, Nesha, Nikita and now Lauchie all wanting to train, the only problem is getting boards back and forward to the river, I can see a trailer in construction soon.

The Melbourne races have a totaly fun

Phill

Outstanding, IMHO the development of juniors is absolutely critical to keep the sport growing and developing. Other boardsports have lost sight of that (I don't mean all just one or two) and have seen the growth in them go rapidly into decline. I think any company that is focussed on developing juniors should be supported by the rest of us. SHQ should be applauded for focussing where it counts on the juniors.

OOOppsss SUPHQ my bad