In Victoria it appeared that we were going into SUP season 2013 with a pretty harmonious all inclusive approach.

Now we appear to be looking down the barrel of 2 sets of state titles etc etc etc etc

I'm interested to know exactly what the SUP community in Australia wants from a so called SUP Peak Body that we don't get from Surfing Australia at this time?

My key points are:

Transparency: Does the body actually support the SUP community its values and its direct?

Inclusivity: Do they do their best to cater to all forms and disciplines of the sport and have they demonstrated this and supported it with $$$ and people?

Communication: Do they communicate and encourage feedback on proposed future actions and plans? Do they listen to the feedback and implement changed based on the feedback?

Integrity: Do they actually carry out the actions that they say they will?

Infrastructure: Do they have the infrastructure in place to support the SUP sport as its growing and can it be sustained over time?

Support: Do they actually have the support of the SUP community?

Credibility: Do the people involved have the runs on the board dealing with major events and change to cope with the change and growth of the SUP Sport?

Financial Support: Do they have the quality sponsors, the connections and the government support to progress SUP?

My personal opinion is that Surfing Australia pretty much ticks most of points that are important to me, not perfect but one hell of a base to build on.

My guess is that people will demonstrate their choice / answer by feet on the ground at events!

From what I saw last year the outcome was simply chalk and cheese!

Phill