The NZ SUP nationals were held over the weekend in Orewa, just north of Auckland. It was a fantastic event and the downwinder on the first day was epic with a steady 20 knot wind.
The Facebook page is currently being updated with photos if anyone is interested:
www.facebook.com/nzsupchamps/
I read something about 300 competitors in the racing which is outstanding. The Australian nationals are restricted to about 80 or so due to the state qualification requirements and self imposed limits presumably to restrain costs and safety provisions. Can't help thinking it would be a much greater celebration of stand up paddle sports if they dispensed with the hierarchical structure and emphasis upon ISA qualification and just opened the event up and gave the community what they want. At the moment, a trip to nationals would sit well below King of the Cut, 12 Towers, Noosa, Merimbula and a couple other events on most people's SUP bucket list I imagine.
