I'll second that. I got to try heaps of different boards including a 17 ft race board with steering which was a highlight.

I am looking to buy another board so being able to compare all in close proximity was good. Except with so mony to choose from I think it has made the decision harder.

Just wondering if you ever hold a similar event around skills like a long distance paddle or surfing. (I can understand if you can't demo boards in the surf).

Thanks again

Shane

We had a fantastic time at the SUPSA Family Day. We were down the coast with my family at the Palm Beach Parklands and stumbled across the demo day. Myself and my wife tried several boards which were all so different from each other. From 8' to 17', all great shaping concepts and designs. It was great to meet some of the local shapers and specialty shop owners to get their perspectives on the craft that were on display and where they think where the sport is heading. Well done to the organisers of the SUPSA day for accommodating my family and looking forward to next months meet. Only down fall of the day was a $70 parking fine and some guy hassling me with selling cheap SUP's out the back of his van near the cafe.

Hey all
Sorry Roar could not be there we did send Alison down with a couple of new boards but with me broken and only today feeling alive enough to do anything and ang in the shop there just was not enough of us to go around.

If i could say one thing from that i have heard allot of people say and i also feel the same is that at the moment every SUPSA day seems to be a Demo day and most of the people there are industry people and swamp anyone looking at getting in to the sport. I like the way the NSW guys are running there comps and getting guys out there riding. Truthfully if i want to do some demos then i can put on a Roars demo day. I would rather see the building of some good base comps and stuff like that. Any ones thoughts????

Jacko

paul.j said...

Hey all
Sorry Roar could not be there we did send Alison down with a couple of new boards but with me broken and only today feeling alive enough to do anything and ang in the shop there just was not enough of us to go around.

If i could say one thing from that i have heard allot of people say and i also feel the same is that at the moment every SUPSA day seems to be a Demo day and most of the people there are industry people and swamp anyone looking at getting in to the sport. I like the way the NSW guys are running there comps and getting guys out there riding. Truthfully if i want to do some demos then i can put on a Roars demo day. I would rather see the building of some good base comps and stuff like that. Any ones thoughts????

Jacko

Hi mate, good to hear you are starting to feel better.

At the end of the day, it was the industry guys who got swamped by the interest from the constant flow of families and interested people, not to mention the "assault of the blue flipper lady".

I think that the 'demo' part of the day overshadowed the SUPSA activities to the point where we didn't get to do any races, etc, and a lot of the people demoing were not club members.

I am not on the committee of SUPSA, just did my bit for what was asked for the day, and it was a good opportunity for all to try some new equipment. Think it would be good idea to put a time limit on demo part of day (if doing again) and/or have demos available for members only, unless otherwise arranged.

I haven't heard any negative feedback other than the "pirate park peddler".

However, I am definitely up for more comp style meetings like the guys in Sydney and Noosa do, and will continue to do what I can to support these events in whatever format the SUPSA guys decide on. I would rather be surfing/racing/eating/having fun myself than working on these days too.

Scotty

mikeman said...

I think the new committee are going to arrange seperate contest days so keep posted. Also, as it was the first event held by the new committee they were a little swamped. They will get it right for the next one.

Yes, I think Scotty's idea of a time limit is a good idea.

Perhaps an alternate location than the Coasts busiest swimming spot on the busiest day of the week. You try telling the 18y.o blonde you can't talk to her now about that board, times up.......

Hey Paul, the photo of you showing your s-bend leg and sucking down the penthane made me crook in the guts. Could have put an "R" rating on that pic mate.

And I can see your point with wanting to run with the comps but remembering that the SUPSA club was originally formed to cater for everyone. Most of our members are novices and are happy with the fact that they can enjoy the day with their family and paddle around in an area that they can feel comfortable with.

Last year was the stepping stone to form a base of excited new people who want to give the sport a go. As you are fully aware, its going through the roof.

We would love to run comps all the time but unfortunately, you can't make everyone happy. At the moment, we have plenty of people joining the club, not only to paddle but to be a part of something new and exciting. The word on the street from the SUPSA point of view is that the days are a great success.

Apart from that, this year the club is meeting bi-monthly for the SUPSA family day. Shapers, manufacturers and Specialty Shop owners, like yourself are invited to showcase their products. It’s a great way for targeting new customers and it’s a very appreciative service enjoyed by all.

Now, those other months in between will be Club Championship days. There will be three surfing rounds (stay tuned for dates) which will be mobile and offered to financial members only. We will be surfing a venue that will be best suited due to conditions. The other two months are secured for flat water or downwind distance races. Now these are for anyone of any ability as each member will be categorised to their degree of skill. That’s just to give everyone a chance of doing well other that the usual suspects taking the podium every time.

I hope that puts a different perspective on the SUPSA direction.

Sounds like a great day all round. I'm new to the sport and lov'n it, changed over after 20 yrs on a Bodyboard. This has probably already been posted but how do I join up, costs etc.