Look at those people sitting in the stands...they look like such rock heads... ......oh waitaminute...
ok sorry 'bout that. Nothing to see here. I'll just head along now... 
(great concept for a race event.. Thanks for sharing)
Select to expand quoteteatrea said..
great concept , a teams pursuit would be cool
I know, right? 
Teatree, we think a teams event would work just as well.
SUPerD, part of the reason we tried this format amongst others like Polo and a time trial where you nominated your own finish time was to get the general public engaged in our sport and grow the sport in this area. In terms of community engagement, the hit of the day was Polo, followed by the pursuit.
I loved it for a few reasons..
It was not a long drawn out race that goes on and on and you start wondering 'am I really having fun' or am I making any gain on those in front.. With this you can see each time you cross exactly how much gain or loss.. and it's much more interesting for spectators..
In a normal flat water race a long sustained effort gives very little return when trying to catch someone but a nice clean kick turn can make a huge difference..
No drafting.. You don't have someone getting sucked along behind you doing it much easier and pull out and pip you at the end.. This is 100% equal for both paddlers..
One last thing.. I could have used a 11'6"x30" Nalu (big old learning board) and still have been pretty competitive.. There's no way you could say that with a long drawn out flat water race.. So it's not so much a race against boards.. A good paddler with good kick turn technique will make up for the slight loss in board speed.
Select to expand quoteDavidJohn said..
I loved it for a few reasons..
It was not a long drawn out race that goes on and on and you start wondering 'am I really having fun' or am I making any gain on those in front.. With this you can see each time you cross exactly how much gain or loss.. and it's much more interesting for spectators..
That's the most important thing right there for spectators. In any other SUP race format, you tend to have the lead established early and then there is very little overtaking, or if there is, it is a long and slow process. With this format, and over two short laps as Stuey designed it, you only get a true indication of who is winning each heat as they cross over in the middle. It's quite enthralling for people who have never seen a SUP race before.
Select to expand quotemagillamelb said..
Teatree, we think a teams event would work just as well.
SUPerD, part of the reason we tried this format amongst others like Polo and a time trial where you nominated your own finish time was to get the general public engaged in our sport and grow the sport in this area. In terms of community engagement, the hit of the day was Polo, followed by the pursuit.
Sorry for the attempt at humour Magilla, the breakwater looked for a second like a set of bleachers filled with people (rockheads -get it? )
It's a great idea - just like a bike track pursuit race.. I agree with DJ, the buoy turn is an equalizer.... And how better to only need a small venue, all in eyesight. Two thumbs up.
Best flat water concept I have seen so far!
Weldone vic sup I can see this taking off with many clubs and events
That is a great idea and has a lot of potential, something BrisSUP Club will have a crack at I am sure.
For all the guys on the Goldy the Coomera Regatta Waters Lake would be perfect for something like this 
