The 2014 Dale Chapman SUP5000 couldn’t have asked for better conditions. A gentle breeze across the course and 40+ paddlers ready to take on the unique format.
The SUP5000 is made up of 4 separate distances – 2000m, 1500m, 1000m and 500m (totally 5000m). Paddlers race in divisions and their final places are added to get an overall total – the lowest score wins. There is a shorter option – SUP3000 (1500m, 1000m and 500m). It is a fun format, as you get an opportunity to warm down after each race and have a chat with your fellow paddlers – this was certainly the case yesterday, where many paddlers commented how great the atmosphere and general vibe was. Those that wanted to race hard could, but those that were happy for a challenge and nice day on the water, were well catered for.
Results:
Junior Male – Ben Paganin
Junior Female -
1. Tahlia DeLuica
2. Annie Smith
3. Demi Mauricio
Male Open 12’6
1. Jun Hao Lo
2. Jackson Shaw
3. Kent Wright
Male O/50 14’– Chris Le Messurier
Male O/40 14’
1. Joe Fry
2. Luke Jenkins
3. Vance Byran
Male U/40 14’
1. Drew Malcolm
2. Jack Howe
3. Gareth Hodges
Female Open 14’
1. Cristiana Chessa
2. Nicki Jones
3. Carole Longdon
Male Open 14’
1. Will Lee
2. Michael Hastie
3. Wes Fry
It was fantastic to see so many juniors, which was a credit to Joe Fry and Luke Jenkins (with support from Wes Stansfield and Ian Grose). The Youth Development Sub Committee are putting in significant effort into expanding junior competitions and this will be a feature of most SUPWA events in 2014-15. It would be great to see a few of the pods create a Youth development arm – juniors are a future and they need support in the early days – coaching, training, boards, etc. The guys and girls performed very well, with Tahlia in particular showing the benefit of SUP resources in her family. Well done to all the juniors that raced.
The 12’6 division – usually not subscribed to, was a great contest. New comer Jun showed the field a clean sweep, but not without being pushed by Jacko and Kent.
The Open division had some of the best paddlers in the state looking to get an idea where their winter training had left them. Will Lee stamped his authority on the short distances yet again, but Michael Hastie and Wes Fry demonstrated they had improved over the winter break. The Under 40 division saw Drew Malcolm clean sweep the division over Jack Howe and new comer Gareth Hodges.
The O/40 division was taken out by a driven Joe Fry and the O/50 male division was unfortunately fully subscribed, but that didn’t stop Chris Le Messurier enjoying himself and providing his own atmsphere – with his permanent smile!
The ladies division was closely contested, as we have come to expect from the end of last season. Cristiana and Nicki were battling it out for first position, with Cristiana walking away with 3 wins and Nicki taking out the last race. Carole and Anne put in a solid effort.
Great to hear that there were so many new faces and great performances. Dale Chapman is a big supporter of SUP in WA, through his WA contact – Gordon Stimson. DC puts up the $1200 board voucher for a custom made surf or race board. This year, new comer Gareth Hodges had his number drawn from the bag – well done Gareth, get something fast ordered in time for the King of the Cut! Special thanks to Jeremy Pye from ACE Cinemas for donating the film vouchers (and to Wes Stansfield for organising). Extra special thanks to Steve McCullough, Gordon McKearcher and Michele Jenkins for running a fantastic event.
The Final scores for the Pod Ladder were:
Fremantle – 28
Pirates – 12
City Beach Drum Liners – 6
Fremantle YoDev – 21
Bunbury Baymasters - 0
There was a little confusion last week on how to nominate for a pod. The online entry system has been corrected now. Pod nomination is purely
optional – select a pod you wish to race for or none at all. Where the division has 5 or more paddlers – first gets 5 points, 2nd gets 4, etc down to 5th. Where there are only 3 paddlers – 1st gets 3 points, 2nd gets 2, etc. Where there is only one paddler = 1 point. Paddling with a Pod is a fun way to train and the Pod ladder brings a little extra fun to the season. If you are interested in form ing a Pod email - president@supwa.com.au