JonesySUP said...
I'm a little confused and very disappointed with the number of paddlers that competed in this years Noosa BOP race.
It's arguably the best venue in the world to have a BOP race, its spectacular amphitheater and with one to two thousand people watching its bloody Australia's best!!!!
It only cost $44 dollars and you got a Tshirt and goodie bag.
Come on SUP'ers tell me why you didn't go??
I would love to spark up a debate and see why this wasn't MASSIVE!!!!!

Cheers Jonesy

62mac said...
Two divisions may help.

Most of the guys and girls that entered would be in the elite class I guess,the average punted would not enter because they would get lapped,why not have elite and novice divisions.

Just an idea,same if I was invited to one of the training camps here I wouldn't go for this reason,hope that helps.

paul.j said...
Please don't take any of this to heart but you have asked for feed back and why this event has gotten smaller and what makes a good event, well here's my take on it and some ideas from my point.

A few of the guys above have hit the nail on the head with some of there points. I was not going to do this comp either after going to it the last 2 or so years and leaving a little disappointed but thought i would give it one more chance and sorry to say i was still not overly impressed.

Things i picked up on.

Feels like the SUP is not really a big part of the event, no where in the name of the event is SUP mentioned yet it pretty much takes up a whole day of the comp. The race although was fun and it is great to get waves on the point with a race sup seemed unorganized with just simple things like have a course map for people to look at or having decent sized turning buoys.
If you want more numbers you need to have age groups as not everyone wants to race against Beau or Jake!! most people just want to have fun and getting put in the same group with the guys and girls that train every day is a bit rough.

If you call up the top 3 guys then at least call the top 3 girls up as well, maybe have some encouragement awards try and get people stoked to come to a event!!

This next one is a bit touche but here goes.
PRIZES!!! come on really!! with all the sponsors around at that event you are telling me that someone could not get a box of leg ropes or some board covers or something? It is NOT that hard i have done it on many occasions and really it is not that hard. Good on Quiver Caddy for what they did but what was there was not a real effort. To me it still feels like we are just being tacked on to a long board event and just another way for them to make a bit more money.

Why are none of the local shops involved? if you want numbers then that should be your first point of contact if nothing else they should be able to help you get better prizes and i'm not talking about giving the top guys more by the way more about giving back to the people who make this sport happen!!

Alot of the time it's just getting the little things right and building on that and this goes right back to listening to some people who might know more about certain things EG: The inside buoy, i'm pretty sure 2 or 3 people told the course guy that it would move if it was put in the waves and sure enough at the race sure enough it moved!! not a big deal but it's all about getting the small things right.

With all the events on these days everyone has to really lift their act if they want to get the numbers, do things a little different.

Flame suit on

Jacko

skebstebamal said...
My no show was a clash with MX race, otherwise would have been for sure...... but i will say, most people including my self run 14 foot boards on sunny coast not 12'6. so i can understand why there are not more people in it.

its easy when u have a van full of boards at over 2k a pop to wonder why others dont show. I for one cant afford every class board and wont be buying a 12'6 (as much as i would love to have one).

I think there is a real mix of boards being used, and while the 12'6 seems to be the current pick for elites for ease of travel or whatever.... for most novices like myself, we predominantly train in flat water and time trials so we go 14.

i also noteon seabreeze when people ask 12'6 or 14 nearly everyone yells 14.

JonesySUP said...
All interesting and valid comments.

I've got no involvement in the Noosa event so I'm hoping the organizers are reading this and the other post I've put out there.

The thing is, I love the Sunny Coast and think the Noosa Comp has something special and could be a world class event.

It's cool if you don't like racing we all get into this sport for different reasons, but the thing that puzzles me is if you added up all the 12'6 race boards sold from the Sunny Coast to NSW over the last two years I would be guessing 300-400?? I could be wrong. Surely the number of competitors would reflect that.

I'm sure some people buy a race board to feel the glide paddling down their local river and to help with core strength, stress release and fitness, but the others must be keen to race?

Maybe "racing is a wank" ?

But for me I love racing because of the following : it motivates me to get super fit. I enjoy training with mates, I love setting goals, beating the guy that beat me in the last race, meeting friends at race events, feeling pre race nerves, that buzz at the start line, getting that adrenaline hit, climbing over that wall pre-race, hearing my little kids cheer me on, racing next to an elite athlete, the achievement of just finishing, beating the groms, winning the old farts division, betting Steve and Peasie, after race chats, post race buzz, post post race fatigue, that sweet tasting first beer, watching all the smiles when someone wins a leg rope in the raffle, new goal setting, next day training.

Plus I don't think its just Noosa declining in numbers??

Another thing that stood out was only that their was one junior paddler, no development of young guns in any sport means a limited time span for the sport!

I'm interested to see the numbers in the Kingscliff comp, Xcel race, Qld titles this year and other comps around Aust. Here's hoping a swell of fresh competitors are on the horizon.

Swanie said...
Making an event that caters for all is the big key. The elite group is a small group in any competition none the less an important group. Though their numbers do not lend to the growth of events or the successful marketing of events with running costs. For the sport to grow it must attract more to participate. This can not be obtained by pitching all against the best each time and expecting the 90%ers to just keep turning up.

Looking at any sport structure to develop a high pyramid you need a large base.

Here are some ideas that might attract more. Not taking away from the importance of having the main race for the elite but just ideas so there are more steps to the elite race and not just a giant leap from a novice. Also catering for those whose age eliminates them from the elite though still have a desire to compete at their peer level.

1. Age groups divisions so that there is interest and recognition at all levels.
2. Different length races for either ability or age. We did similar to this at Coolum and then used it as a qualifier to the elite group.
3. Handicapped events that push the elite but allow the others a chance.
4. Novel events at the comp that may be attached to prizes so anyone might win something.
5. Allowing shops and distributors to set up at the events to showcase their wares and run demos. This may also offset the cost if a small fee was charged. By having a sole sponsor you can prevent this. Can be a catch 22 situation. This event had large sponsorship from one supplier and as such others understandably could not set up displays. I love attending events that have all types on display and for demo. I personally would go out of my way to go to these events to test all gear in the one spot. We did this last year with great success at the Lake Kawana.
6. Junior specific races. From short distance micro from events etc. etc. This leads to a family event.
7. Maybe divisions instead of age. A, B, C, D etc. this is bigger picture stuff and would need monitoring from race to race. Newbies could come and smash a lower division but from then on would be classed up???

Not saying these are the answers but just something to brain storm about. If there is a decline in racers after the initial splash of interest then doing the same each time and expecting growth does not seem the best idea.

I am sure there are many other ideas out there better than mine. Post them if you have some regardless if you think it is silly as someone else may take part of your idea and come up with something great.
Brainstorm as a collective group.

RJK said...
it annoys me when people say "I don't compete because there is a good"elite" paddler and there's no way I can beat him". There is no way I will ever beat the likes of jake, Kelly, travis, beau, jacko (and probly even dorries after seeing his performance) yet I still do every race cause of the stoke!!

On event organisation, if you want a world standard event to model, just talk to Peasie. All his races are epic!!!!! Fun for all!!!

teatrea said...


Look to Europe to see what they are doing , races on inflatables races catering for all levels.I think most of you come from surfing background or clubbie backgrounds so surf races and downwinders appeal to you maybee , but i think more should be done on flat water races , look at the numbers that train or just paddle on flat water , a lot of people particuarly beginners are attracted to this. Also the sport can then be spread into inland areas. The Noosa thing could have just been because people where away a bad day to have it ect ect.I think flat water racing is where the numbers will be

PTSUP said...

Hows that for a coincidence,Ryan.

The Hobie one class" Put Your Money Where Your Mouth "is $50 entry winner takes all 2 K lake sprint concept we were brain storming on the way home in the car Sunday night is happening in Europe.

Six Identical 12'6 boards,,bring your own paddle,,use the kayak lanes[no wash riding] 2 k from the bottom of lake to the finish tower..heats fastest paddlers advance,age groups,staggered starts etc...all can be refined to a useable format.

As for the Noosa event,we are only following directions from the contest organisers,and as such we are a tag on the a mal event,which is fine.Our only designated tasks for SUP Sunday was to pass on issued information from the event organisers to our contact data base.The stand alone Coolum Ocean Addicts where Swanie,Jonesey , RJK and myself have direct input will just get better and bigger every year

scotty100 said...
Lot of constructive ideas for a change!! I can't see why we can't have a ranking system based on 4km flat water time trial oz wide over 4 time trails average !! Done by club meets or the like .race day different race starts each catagory
12 per division with top four up next race bottom 4 down next race 3 races per event . We don't have enough racers for good age divisions so I think the ranking system would help get more involved and more satisfaction for those competing against people of similar skill , can even mix up juniors and ladies! Just a idea will need fine tuning

LynT said...
Sunday March 24th at KINGSCLIFF : THE AUSTRALIAN LONGBOARD OPEN. see website or Posts on Seabreeze)

10:30am BOP Beach course with lots of Buoy turns .. (All turns in the water) ...
Divisions for Pro/Amateur/Women/over 40 ... all divisions have trophies
and an amateur draw for 2 Illusions SUPs.

11:30 START 4.7k flat water river race has Open/Women/ Junior/ Veteran / 14 foot classes all with trophies. Everyone gets a bag full of the regular stuff and all amateurs go into the draw for two NEW Illusions SUPs ... ENTRIES ON THE DAY.

++ALL TIMES NSW DST . To be in the draw for the Illusions SUPs you must be at the presentation +++

SUP SURF EVENTS on Thursday / Finals Sunday. For Pro, Amateur and Women Divisions. Places still available

JonesySUP said...
So why do we race? What is so fun about keeping going when your body is screaming for you to stop? What's so fulfilling about ending up with blisters, What is it about crossing a finish line that has us replaying that moment and all the day's unfoldings over and over in our mind's eye and to our friends? It might be as simple as that it feels fantastic and definitely has to do with being involved with a great community of people.
I'm counting down the days to the next one

Cheers Jonesy

teatrea said...
I think sup racing is pretty healthy at the moment , no need for panic just yet. But ive said it before and Ill say it again more flat water short stuff is where the numbers will be. I think the SUPSA twilight series had pretty good numbers The time trials at sunny coast seem to attract good numbers too.Handicap races would be good fun , that way the novices can race against the pros and still come within a bulls roar of them.

NNSUP said...
Too much to read here. Will go for a paddle and come back and read it over a beer.
Did you have a quiet day at work Paul?

DaveyG said...
I'm a Noosa local and ride my SUP in the surf, I don't train, I'm not really interested in BOP style racing, I don't own a 12'6", nor have I really had a go at it. However I was down there on Sunday and if I'd known it was only $40 bucks to enter plus you got some goodies I would gladly have begged/borrowed a board and had a go (even though I probably would have struggled after coming off a fat 9'6" onto a skinny race board). As someone else said, when do you ever get to surf Noosa First point with a small crew for an hour? That alone should be worth the price of admission.

My past impression of 'SUP racers' is that they are all a bit serious and that's what makes me normally avoid them like the plague. I guess a lot of us (casual SUP surfers and paddlers) feel out of place in events like this which we perceive to be only for the go fast/serious/elite crew. However the event certainly looked like fun, and there were plenty of smiles on the dials of those who were going around and around.

Maybe next time a 5km timed race for the serious crew and a shorter 2/3km untimed race for the punters? A few giveaways for all competitors and it should be a success. Just my thoughts.. Cheers. Dave

HumanCartoon said...


I like this sort of model, at least for flat water racing and have been arguing for it on and off for a year or two. A graded system like this and like swanie's point 9 above works in other sports BUT (and it's a big BUT) in those sports there is a high degree of coordination between the clubs, hundreds if not thousands of regular competitors and reasonably sensible national and international peak bodies.

Those things only come with time and maturity and SUP isn't there yet, needs more punters and more learning...all takes time and patience. The immediate problem is making it competition accessible, attractive and fun for all those board owners that we know are out there but I think there's a risk in too much tweaking and fine tuning and knee-jerk reactions to perceived failures...just makes punters confused.

RJK said...


Unfortunately lyn I see the noosa entrant levels being the same as kingscliffe. I don't really understand why but a few comments on the breeze lately have started to change my view of how suppers feel about their sport.

In saying that I will definatly go and support your race just as I will support the local kayak club river race this weekend. To me racing is just another training day in a different area with different people!

HumanCartoon said...


I like this sort of model, at least for flat water racing and have been arguing for it on and off for a year or two. A graded system like this and like swanie's point 9 above works in other sports BUT (and it's a big BUT) in those sports there is a high degree of coordination between the clubs, hundreds if not thousands of regular competitors and reasonably sensible national and international peak bodies.

DaveyG said...
I also just posted in the Noosa thread but will add my 2 cents here.

Some people ride the most high tech, sleekest SUPS to push themselves, go as fast as they can and make their body scream with pain. Some people squeeze themselves into lycra and go ride bikes for the same reasons. Others paddle kayaks, run till they're red in the face, compete in marlin fishing competitions and feel the need to scream down snow covered mountains at 125km/h. These are the serious competitors.

However in each sport that represents a very small (1-2%) percentage of the total population

The rest of us enjoy getting out in nature and catching a few waves, paddling slowly along a river, casting a line and hoping for a nibble, hitting a few bumps on our powder skis or cruising along singletrack on our mountain bikes. In other words we have no desire to race or compete. We're doing these sports for a totally different reason than the competitive reasons of the minority. That's not to say the competition crew aren't loving every minute but the 2 markets have a totally different outlook on what they want from their leisure time.

IMO if SUP racing wants to build then it needs to find a way to attract a larger percentage of the majority rather than catering for such a tiny percentage of the market (who are probably going to attend anyway).

I for one would be interested in getting involved in SUP events but it would be purely to learn, meet likeminded people, have a good time without being made to feel inadequate and having a few laughs. A soon as there's a competition involved then I automatically consider it something I'd rather avoid.

Case in point - even though theres a strong SUP club here on the sunny coast I'm not at all interested in getting involved as they seem to be all about going up and down a lake as fast as they can and comparing times. That's not my thing at all - I'd rather just hook up with a few mates and go surfing.

If there was more of a focus on fun than straight out competition I reckon the participation would grow, but I guess that's not what SUP racing is all about is it? So perhaps SUP events need to evolve from 'Races' To 'Festivals' where theres something on offer for both ends of the market

Just my 2 cents. Cheers , Dave