Yesterday in Melbourne we had our very first SUP comp...It was a SUP race.

The local windsurfing/kitesurfing/snowboarding/and now SUP shop put on the event..It's called SHQ (sailboard headquarters).

It's Melbourne biggest surf shop..imo..and good on them for getting behind this new sport.





SHQ have a great set up with the main shop on the hwy and a kiosk type clubhouse down on the nearby beach.

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Downstairs cafe/kiosk..upstairs a sort of clubroom and telly (maybe even watch the cricket if you're into that..

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I had no idea what the turn up was going to be like because although I never see anyone also doing it myself I knew they were out there somewhere..and I guess we had between 15-20 enter the event.

There was everything from old windsurfers to new C4 boards.



Down on the beach Mike (the shop owner) told us all the rules for the race...Basicly..'no cheating' and have fun..





The idea was to put you board on the sand next to the water..and walk back about 100 yards/meters to the edge of the sand and when he says "go"..you run to your board and paddle like hell..

The beaches in Melbourne are only bay beaches..so there's no real swell..just wind swell..and the wind was picking up..Bugger!!..and it's a head wind..Double bugger!!..

We had to paddle around a yellow pole about two hundred yards/meters out from the shore..and head to the point in the far distance..round another similar yellow pole..and then race back...Sounds easy.

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We're off and racing..I think I'm still on the sand jogging to my board..I wasn't keen to run...Saving energy was my plan.

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By the time I got my board in the water..rinsed out the shells etc out of my crocs..and got going they were almost all already around the yellow pole..I thought "I'll catch em"

I got into a nice rhythm and decided to head out wide as the main pack kept closer to the shore..and I was catching..slowly..and passing some..slowly...I could see the first three up ahead and was aiming at getting on the tail of third..I paddled hard...but...they must have been paddling harder..I was loosing ground on third...I tried paddling harder but started to get cramp type pain in my upper stomic..It was either my 50yr old abs begging for mercy..or the greasy McDonalds that I had for breakie.

I had to back off...but I was getting closer to the rounding pole and two guys on my left were racing to beat me around it...We were heading for a collision..I backed off and let them through..The guy in front of the two fell in and slowed them up...I tried not to laugh out loud..but couldn't help grinning from ear to ear.

I heard behind me the guy that fell in..says to his mate.."That was nice and cool..You should try it"..I thought yeah right.....but to my surprise the two were back on my tail..and gaining..It was about the 40 minute mark and I was feeling like I was going to die..I've race Mt bikes and it was like riding up a big hill and you know you will go into the red if you don't back off.

I decide to back off slightly and the two behind passed me...I thought I would just have to go into survival mode..The stomach pain was passing..but my mouth was so dry..The sun was burning on my face (even with glasses and peak) and I had a sweat drip on the end of my nose and chin..I pushed on.

I was almost at the rounding pole to head back to the beach and this guy in red shorts came from nowhere to pass me..I thought "no you don't"..and dug deap..I got a better line around the pole..and beat him to the beach...I felt like a winner..I asked someone.."did I win?"..just kidding.

I'm not sure where I finished..about seventh I think..I knew I had done my best so I was a happy-chappy.

Matt had won...and good on him I thought.



Big Dave (the C4 man) was second.

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Wes (Aussie Laird) was third.



This is me..and feeling like a winner..



After the race it was time for the kids to have some fun.



Next it was back to the barbie (BBQ)



Mmmmm!!!



Time to relax.



Matt was the deserving winner.





Mike said there was ten prizes to give out so the top ten would go into a lucky draw.





There was smiles all round as prizes were given out..some guys got paddles..some got board bags, deck grip...heaps of great stuff...Not bad for a ten dollar entry fee.



I even finished in the top ten and got a great prize...Waa-Hoo!



I was asked to give a small talk about SUP'ing...I though "here's the blind leading the blind"....That's me in the grey shirt...It all went well...Wes (Aussie Laird) gave a talk about SUP'ing in the waves.



All in all it was a great day..We all had fun..It was perfect weather..and I can't wait for the next one.

DJ

Ciao David,
great review of the comp!!!
I see that the Kalama got 1st and 3rd.
I also see the Bonga there.... And my beloved Mistral...
I wish I was there to try them all.
Bye Jankie

Nice one DJ
In that last photo I notice there is a paddle bag on the board next to you.
Where can I get one?
Thanks

Hey David,

That looks like so much fun (although sounds exhausting). You dont know of any thing like this in NSW? (im in wollongong)? Out of interest were there any woman competing? I'd be interested to hear any of their comments on SUP.

I have been out a few more times and feeling better and better on the flat water. Much better with balance and foot placement and coping with the wind after your tips. I have stepped back half a foot and feel so much more comfortable and in control. I feel my board speed has also picked up.. more of a gliding motion rather than a pushing motion through the water. Anyway.. im about to attempt getting out into some swell and see how i go with balance there.... then TO CONQUER THE SMALL WAVES!!

DavidJohn said...

Greenroom said...

Nice one DJ
In that last photo I notice there is a paddle bag on the board next to you.
Where can I get one?
Thanks

Thanks...and about the paddle bag..This is your best and cheapest option..imo... http://standuppaddlesurf.com.au/content/blogcategory/22/60/ ..My mate just got one and they're great.

DJ

Hey thanks. I have emailed them asking if the paddle bag they sell fits the Starboard carbon paddle. If so I will get it
You also mentioned it being the best and cheapest option... are there any others?

Hey DJ,

once again great pic's mate looked like loads of fun, ive only just seen the photos

as i have been in Hobart for a week for work, you lucky bugger scoring the new

naish carbon paddle great prizes for a first time contest.

cheers

Hey DJ,

Cool paddle mate, did you have to cut it to size or is it 82 inches like the aliminium

paddle? Is it as good as others you have tried?

cheers

Hey DJ,

HAve you heard what price these paddle are selling for?

WINDSURFnSNOW said...

$349 including bag.

Thanks..That's a pretty good price for a carbon fiber paddle..and paddle bag.

DJ