Thursday (Nov 24) was day one of the Corona Classic in Merimbula and it started with me checking out the expo on Ford Oval right next to the main beach.
Starboard had the prime pozzie and had a huge range of boards to demo and many new 2012 boards that have not been seen before.
Naish were opposite with another huge range of boards to demo.
The Fanatic guys were next in line and I checked out their new boards.. Some were just at the proto stage.
Many of the other stands in the expo were just setting up and I came back to them later for more pictures.
I then checked out the beach and found Jonathan chatting with Jacko.
JB came past with a new 8'2" Fanatic.. and he's almost 100kgs.. I don't know how he paddles such small boards.
I wandered back and checked out the huge Hobie stand.
The new bamboo deck 14'er looked great.
I then checked out one of their new wave boards.. Super light and pretty high tech looking.
Their new inflatables also looked good.. I liked the way their fins could be removed and the collapsible paddle was light and carbon with lots of adjustment.
Jason was gripping up a new board.
Hobie win the prize for having the biggest van.. It was huge.. You could load 17'ers in the back easy.
Nearby on the grass there were lots of these beautiful birds.
I then checked out the skate boards.. It made me wish I was a kid again.
Mel's new van looked great with the artwork on the side.
It was time to get some free food from the barbie.
Next was the briefing and people started to gather around.
Back at the expo Lummers was there with his new Starboard.
I checked out the beach and it was looking pretty good.. Only small but still pretty good.. People were getting stuck into the demo boards.
I spotted Jonathan coming in after demoing one of the new 2012 Starboard nose riders with a huge scooped out concave in the nose.
Mel tried out one of the new Hobie blow-ups.
I then grabbed my Mana and hit the water myself.. I bumped into Scott.. He's another Breezer.
We paddled over to the bar but it was getting shallow and only very small waves.
I kept bumping into people that I know.. and I kept taking pictures.
Who's that old bugger with his hair sticking up?
Phill came all the way from South Oz to be here.
Andy and girlfriend with matching Naish boards.
Fab and his girlfriend.
South Oz guys.
Back over at the main beach there were people demo'ing boards everywhere.
Back on the beach and time to hit the barbie again for more free food and with the wind picking up the kite surfers were flying their kites.
SUP'ers coming in.. Kiters going out.
What a gentleman carrying the board for is girlfriend.
Alot of these SUP'ers are also kiters.
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The wind is still pretty light and there are still plenty of sup'ers hitting the water.
What's Jacko up to?
Ali Cat trying one of the new Starboards.
It was great to see my old friend Sparrow there and he had his little 7' something board that he made himself.
Lummers getting out there.
Keahi takes the kiting option on what looks like a skim board.
After more food from the barbie I was back out there.. Party waves everywhere.
After a short rest.. and more food from the barbie.. Jonathan and I decided to burn off some calories and paddle out to the point and along the cliffs that are sheltered from the wind.
Yes.. it's dead end Jonathan.. Lucky his small board was short enough to turn around.
We surfed some waves on the bar for a while before heading back to see what's happening and get more food from the barbie.
The motored looked like lots a fun.
There was a party going on at the Fanatic stand.. The bike with a blender on the back was pretty funny and it blended drinks are they rode it around.
It was now late arvo and still plenty of people out demo'ing sup boards.
Jan headed out to try one of the new little Starboards.
Back in the car park the kids were having fun on the street sups.
That's about it for my pics from the first day.. What a great day.
Wow DJ I really had not missed going until I saw this posts now I'm spewing I couldn't make it ... Though your pics made it feel like I was there anyway great stuff mate keep it coming!!
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