Gold Coaster chasing shot at world titles
THE World SUP Titles are in sight but Tugun’s Shakira Westdorp first must find another way past Australia’s best surfing rivals.
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THE World SUP Titles are in sight but Tugun’s Shakira Westdorp first must find another way past Australia’s best surfing rivals.
The five-day national SUP championships start Friday at Currumbin, with Australia’s best stand-up paddle boarders chasing the crown.
A total of 25 national champions will be crowned across divisions including SUP surfing, technical racing and marathon racing.
Defending champions New South Wales will be looking to go back-to-back after winning the overall victory last year, closely followed by Queensland.
Defending open women’s champion Westdorp will be looking to requalify for the World Championships again.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve been using a new board and it’s always great to meet up with everyone, we always have a good time,” she said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of paddle training, as I received a last-minute call up to compete for a world title in paddle racing. I’m feeling strong and healthy, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Last year’s open men’s division runner-up Harry Maskell (NSW) will be searching for redemption this year.
“I’m pretty confident, I’m really hoping for some good waves,” Maskell said.
“I’ve got a similar training routine to last year, I’ve been keeping it simple and surfing heaps.”
The Australian SUP Title provide the exclusive pathway to the International Surfing Association’s 2019 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championships.
Event Schedule:
Friday: Opening ceremony and meetings (all competitors, team managers and judges to attend).
Saturday to Monday: Competition period for all SUP surfing divisions/competition period for all SUP and prone technical racing divisions.
Tuesday: Competition period for all SUP and prone marathon racing divisions (20km), community marathon racing (20km) divisions.
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