What terrible conditions for a Stand Up Paddle race today.

At 8am the Sou'wester was 50km/hr with 60km/hr gusts straight up the teeth of Gunnamatta Bay.

My 'local' experience told me that to get to Bundeena in that wind would be a miracle but if it could be done, the run home would be all time.

The course was changed to maximise protection from the elements but it only took 5 minutes of race time for me personally to realise the FUN was gone and it was just going to be a ridiculously hard slog for which I was not interested in or prepared for so I jumped ship.....a big DNF which I'm down with.

It seemed that there were a dozen or so SUP'rs on the start list and I'd like to personally congratulate anyone who actually managed to finish the course as it really would be an achievement so if that's you - congratulations !

Here's a short video I pieced together which might paint a picture of conditions in The Bay.

boylos said...



Yeh that would have to be the worst head wind I've ever had to cop!

There was no protection anywhere ,on the course which was to be 8k ,but ended up 9.4k on my garmin watch.

There was 8 sup's and 5 finished ,I ended up 5th ...... but I'm just happy that I finished in those conditions .

Hopefully next yr Chris conditions will be better as it's a nice paddle!

Boylos

How long did it end up taking you mate ?

I've been off work with Bronchitis all week and after 5 minutes my lungs tightened up and the coughing started. Even without that, I don't think I would have made it and the fact that 5 did is amazing.

Well done mate, a huge effort to finish but you were set to see it through, you had that look in your eyes that I've only ever seen in Footy players - pumped and focussed.

Hope you like the video.

See you on 27th for our first Club round.