12 towers ocean SUP race 2013

Over the weekend I experienced what sport is all about...

With the event only in it's second year running, the 12 towers ocean SUP race was held on the Gold Coast.  After being postponed from last weekend due to cyclone Oswald whipping up large swell and debris, the race was scheduled to start with calmer conditions predicted.

This event is called a downwind event, so you start at point A (Kirra) and finish at point B (Burleigh), around 14km.  Mother nature had a different plan though by blowing onshore easterly winds and swell so it was hitting us side on, which is not ideal when you are standing on a board without a rudder!

This didn't deter the competitors though with around 85 starters, it was an event to test personal abilities no matter which way the wind was blowing.  There is something about going into an event with fellow competitors who share the same passion for a sport.  It's all about getting out there and having a go no matter what, even if you don't finish you'll gain respect by starting.

We started about 2km out to sea to allow for the wind and swell.  I was a little hesitant to line up due to strained rib intercostals over the past month but I really did want to be out there mixing with the rest of the guys and girls.  A bit of strapping tape to hold everything together and I was good to go. 

Sport allows you to learn about yourself and what your capable of.  If you don't place yourself out of your comfort zone then you never know the heights you can reach.  Although it took double the time (1hr 45mins) of what it would be like in true downwind conditions, there were a lot of completely exhausted yet utterly stoked competitors with plenty of tales to tell at the finish.

Myself, Ange Jackson and Michelle English

All the leg work over the past month came in handy with everyone describing the race like you were in the seated squat position the whole way...ouch!  It was a great race and credit is due to the organisers (Peasey and Alison) for a professionally run event. SUP racing is a hugely popular sport overseas and the way we are going in Australia it won't be long before we are calling it a national sport also!

 

Thanks also to Naish Australia also for their support with a superfast board and congrats to the girls that entered - how good does it feel to pass a guy;)