Stand Up and Paddleboard at the St Francis Bay, SA S1 Surfski Championship and SA Canoe Marathon Championship 2020

by | Oct 18, 2020 | Prone, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Downwind, SUP Events, SUP Racing, Uncategorized

Yes you heard it! Stand Up and Paddleboards were included in this year’s SA S1 Surfski Championship and SA Canoe Marathon Championship in St Francis Bay. 

 The weekend started with an ocean race on the Saturday. Kit Beaton, Jadon Wessels and Paige Horn were our three proners who took on the grueling 14 km ocean race that greeted the paddlers with great southerly winds. Chiara Vorster (Junior girl) proved her incredible determination and great training as the only Stand Up Paddle that took on this ocean race. We are incredibly proud of you, Chiara. See the results, below: 

SUP Women 

  • Chiara Vorster – 2:07:49 

Prone Men

  •  Jadon Wessels – 1:51:01
  • Kit Beaton – 1:51:08 

Prone Women 

  • Paige Horn – 1:58:28

Sunday brought on the Canoe Marathon/ Flatwater Race that SUPSA selected as a sanctioned event for their annual calendar. Our paddlers were getting ready to take on the last batch in the race. The team were met with blue skies, light winds and a great winding course, set to meander between the houses with plenty of technical turns, hidden poles, sand banks and currents under the narrow bridges. The race included two portages on the three lap course (Open Men and Women) and one portage for the two lap course (Junior SUPs and Proners). In both instances the portage was to be skipped on the first lap. This reasoning by the organisers became well understood in the desire to have the field more spread out to avoid congestion and this added an exciting technical aspect to the racing. Each full lap consisted of twists and turns over 4.7 kms and in both race distances there was a short extra loop of around 1 km around the top end of the canal and past the headland to the finish (or Spit as it’s known) and the moves in this part of the race, dubbed “the sausage lap” would invariably define the end results. 

 The Junior paddlers, Cameron, Migael and Chiara could choose between doing the SUPSA distance for the junior category, being 2 laps, or compete with the open category who did 3 laps. Cameron and Chiara opted for the 3 laps with the open men and women and Miggie did the 2 laps with the prones. CSA facilitated and assisted the paddlers with these teething problems, being the first official race with them and it’s something that will no doubt be resolved by the evergreen Anja Burger from SUPSA, whom was on top of matters the whole weekend from her phone in Johannesburg, as was our SUPSA President Mandy Scanlen from Cape Town. A big thanks to them both and in getting us there in the first place and that tons of hard work behind the scenes was brought to fruition!

The SUPs and Prones started at a frenetic pace, really setting the scene for anybody who did not know we actually race. See the results below:

 

Open Men Results 

  • Cameron Tripney – 1:43:50
  • Kimon Dos Santos – 1:44:11
  • Gary Van Rooyen – 1:50:59
  • Thomas King – 1:55:54
  • Craig Girdlestone – 2:03:00

Open Women Results 

  • Tarryn King – 1:55:51
  • Chiara Vorster – 2:02: 59
  • Elmari Renecle – 2:09:33
  • Evette Terblanche – 2:14:04

Junior Boys

  • Migael Terblanche -1:16:27

Prone Men 

  • Connor Botha – 1:13:31
  • Jonny Lucas – 1:16:51
  • Jadon Wessels – 1:19:02
  •  Kit Beaton – 1:19:29 

Prone Women 

  • Paige Horn – 1:40:41
  • Carmel Billson – 1:40:41

We look forward to the next race!

Write up by Steve Tripney.

Great photos by Chris Scott’s Photography. 

Governance of Stand-Up Paddle to the ISA at Olympic Level

by | Aug 9, 2020 | Denmark World Champs, El Salvador World Championships, Fiji World Champs, ISA, Prone, South African Surfing Championships, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Downwind, SUP Events, SUP Racing, SUP Surfing, Surfing South Africa, Uncategorized

The following article is written by ISA News and can be found on the ISA website. 

The ISA today welcomed the landmark decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to award the governance of StandUp Paddle (SUP) to the ISA at Olympic level.

The resolution of this matter is an historic moment for the sport of SUP and the ISA. The ISA has been committed to the global development and promotion of SUP over many years – investing and defending the sport to serve the best interests of the athletes, national federations, local SUP events and all fans.

The CAS award allows the ISA to further focus and fully accelerate the international growth and popularity of the sport, as the International Sport Federation responsible for SUP at the Olympic level.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre said:

“At the end of this long and difficult paddle, we are both relieved and gratified by this important decision by CAS.  In confirming the ISA’s governance of SUP at the Olympic level, CAS has validated our years of passion, commitment and leadership – from our world champions, to our officials, organizers and member federations.

“The global SUP community can now look forward with clarity in continuing the building of an exciting future for SUP and its athletes. This includes our long-term ambition and plan to see the sport included in the Olympic Programme under the leadership and authority of the ISA.

“For us, there’s never been any question that the governance of SUP at the Olympic level derived rightfully from the history, tradition and culture of surfing.  Today, we feel validation and recognition for all the years of active effort and hard work the committed teams at the ISA and around the world at a national level have invested to ensure SUP’s continued growth.

“Today’s decision is a team gold medal for the sport and the ISA.  We would like to thank all the athletes, officials, ISA member federation leaders and APP World Tour, as well as our legal team at Baer & Karrer, who supported us and stood by us all along the way.”

ISA Vice President Casper Steinfath said: 

“As an active athlete, but also a leader of the ISA, I am truly stoked for this outcome.  At the same time, we are pleased to put this legal process behind us. We are eager to get back to the important priority for all of us in expanding the global opportunities for SUP athletes and the sport.

As we saw at the Pan Am Games last summer in Lima, SUP can add amazing value to multi-sport competitions like the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, and other Continental Games.

“The pathway to these events for the athletes – through the ISA governance and its membership – is now clear.”

“For those of us who love and practice this sport every day, our passion to see SUP thrive globally is completely genuine and comes from our core. Today marks a historic moment for the rightful leadership, promotion and unity of SUP, which will ensure it enjoys an exciting and successful future.”

CAS has issued a press release regarding the award, which can be viewed here.

ICF given all clear to keep running SUP events

by | Aug 9, 2020 | Prone, South African Surfing Championships, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Events, SUP Racing, SUP Surfing, Uncategorized

The following article is written by ICF Media and can be found on the ICF website.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has cleared the way for the International Canoe Federation to continue to run Stand Up Paddling events at a national, international and world levels.  

The ICF was vindicated following CAS’s strong rejection of the claim by the International Surfing Association (ISA) that it had the exclusive right to govern Stand Up Paddling.  CAS unanimously found that the ICF was within its rights, as it has always maintained, to develop and nurture stand up paddling activities and competitions worldwide.

The CAS decision follows a long dispute between the ICF and the ISA over the governance of SUP.  It confirms that both the ICF and the ISA can continue to run SUP events.

In an unconventional move, the majority of the CAS panel indicated (with one panel member dissenting) that the ISA should have responsibility for running SUP at Olympic level in the future if SUP is eventually recognised as an Olympic sport.  It is surprising that the CAS panel felt that they could reach such a decision without the involvement of the IOC, as the recognition of an international federation as the administrator of an Olympic sport is traditionally a matter for the IOC.

However, the ICF welcomes the clear statement by CAS that its decision is not binding upon the IOC.  The IOC is ultimately free to make its own decision about who should govern SUP as an Olympic sport, taking account of what is in the best interests of the sport at the relevant time, without being fettered by today’s CAS Award.

Behind the ICF’s vision for SUP and core to this dispute, has been the notion that resources from both international federations can and should be used for the development of the discipline of stand up paddling, to make it an exciting and attractive sport at all levels.

ICF president, Jose Perurena, said the decision presents an opportunity for two Olympic federations to work together to grow a sport.

“We are pleased and feel vindicated that the Court of Arbitration for Sport has recognised the important role the International Canoe Federation has played in the development of stand up paddling and that it is free to continue this role worldwide” Mr Perurena said.

“The CAS decision presents an opportunity for two Olympic federations, the ICF and the ISA, to work together to promote a sport.  SUP is one of the fastest growing and most exciting sports on the planet, and it is the responsibility of both our federations to give it the best possible opportunity to reach its full potential.  We believe that the sport will flourish as a result.”

The decision also means national canoe federations can continue to hold SUP events without any interference or objection from ISA or its national members, which will help the development of the sport at grass root level.

The CAS decision clears the way for the ICF to hold its next SUP world championships, scheduled for Balatonfured in Hungary in 2021 and decide on two future editions which have been put on hold due to the ongoing CAS case.

SUPSA March 2020 Events

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Prone, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Events, SUP Racing, SUP Surfing, Uncategorized

1 March 2020

SUPSA is hosting the first Sanctioned event on 1 March 2020 in Cape Town. The SUPSA Century City SUP & Paddleboard Challenge 2020 will take place at Century City, with a 7 am registration and 8.30 am race start. More details will follow – please register before 23 February 2020. You can register here and continue with your payment with the Quicket link. All SUPSA hosted event fees will be divided between SUP Development (50%) and Fundraising for the SA Team for Worlds (50%). 

2019 Annual Prize-giving and SA Squad Announcement  We have a great deal to celebrate for all that happened in 2019. Join us at the 2019 Annual Prize Giving on 1 March 2020, 1.00 pm, after the SUPSA Century City SUP & Paddleboard Challenge. Make sure you send in your nomination for the President’s Achievement Award to supsapresident@gmail.com . Final details will be sent to you throughout this week. The SA Squad (athletes, Team Manager and Team Coach) will also be announced at the Prize-giving. If you are interested in applying for either the Team Manager or Team Coach job, please send your name, surname and motivation to supsapresident@gmail.com .

24 March 2020

 

 The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 at the V&A Waterfront at 7.00 pm. The specific location will be communicated to you by email. Please RSVP, here with the names, surnames and email addresses of the attendees.

Make sure you register for the race, send your nominations and RSVP for the AGM 2020.

See you there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Events (Feb – April)

by | Feb 8, 2020 | Prone, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Events, SUP Racing, SUP Surfing, Uncategorized

Upcoming Events

 

The 2020 SUPSA Calendar has been loaded on the website. Make sure you do not miss out on any of these events. SUPSA is hosting the first Sanctioned event on 1 March 2020 in Cape Town. The SUPSA Century City SUP & Paddleboard Challenge 2020 will take place at Century City, with a 7 am registration and 8.30 am race start. More details will follow – please register before 23 February 2020. You can register here and continue with your payment with the Quicket link. All SUPSA hosted event fees will be divided between SUP Development (50%) and Fundraising for the SA Team for Worlds (50%). 

It is important to note that all SUPSA Sanctioned races requires all racers to wear a SAMSA approved life jacket. This life jacket must be “fit-for-use” and meet the requirements of SAMSA. Read more, here.
Prone athletes do not have to wear a life jacket, but leashes are required.

 More Upcoming Events 

SUP The Crossing Best conditions are chosen within a window period between Saturday the 22nd February to Sunday the 15th March 2020. All weekend days will be possible days choosing the best weather conditions forecast by the safety officers. Make sure you do not miss out on this incredible paddle from Small Bay to Robben Island.
The High Altitude Surf Ski Championship 2020 The HASSC is taking place on the Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg on 14 March 2020. Speed boats whizzing around, surf ski’s cutting through the waves and SUP’s strong and steady making their way past it all. A fun Johannesburg event!

Paddle For The Paw A fun charity race to take part in. 14 March 2020 at the V&A Waterfront with SUP Cape Town. Bring your boards, swimsuit and pet food (for a raffle ticket) and enjoy the water with family and friends.

Pili Pili Family Fun SUP Race Pili Pili always brings people together on the water. Join us for the Pili Pili Family Fun SUP race on 28 March 2020.

SA Championships in Port Alfred SAVE THIS DATE!
The SA SUP & Paddleboard Championships will take place in Port Alfred this year. It will take part of the Port Alfred Amanzi Festival. The SUP & Paddleboard Championship will start on the 17th of April with distance races and sprints for both SUPs and Paddleboards and continue with the SUP surf event on the 18th & 19th of April 2020.

The Freedom Paddle Celebrate the freedom of surf ski paddling by taking on the challenge of racing around South Africa’s Symbol of Freedom – Robben Island. The Freedom Paddle is a 27km race / paddle from Oceana Power Boat Club around Robben Island and back. On the 27th April 2020, Freedom Day, line up and be a part of a race around one of the most iconic islands in the world. A great surf ski event inviting SUPs and Prone boards to take on the challenge.

 

Extra Important Events 

2019 Annual Prize-giving and SA Squad Announcement
We have a great deal to celebrate for all that happened in 2019. Join us at the 2019 Annual Prize Giving on 1 March 2020, 1.00 pm, after the SUPSA Century City SUP & Paddleboard Challenge. Make sure you send in your nomination for the President’s Achievement Award to supsapresident@gmail.com . Final details will be sent to you throughout this week. The SA Squad (athletes, Team Manager and Team Coach) will also be announced at the Prize-giving. If you are interested in applying for either the Team Manager or Team Coach job, please send your name, surname and motivation to supsapresident@gmail.com .

and last but not least…
The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020 

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Monday, 2 March 2020 at the V&A Waterfront at 7.00 pm. The specific location will be communicated to you by email. Please RSVP, here with the names, surnames and email addresses of the attendees.

EL SALVADOR 2019 – Surfing at Worlds

by | Dec 1, 2019 | El Salvador World Championships, ISA, Prone, South African Surfing Championships, Stand Up Paddle, SUP Events, SUP Racing, SUP Surfing, Surfing South Africa, Uncategorized

Surfing – Day 3

Great excitement filled the breakfast room with Matt, Dylan and Khara taking to the waves again. Dylan was up in heat 2 and Matt in heat 3, while Khara would showcase her skills thereafter. Dylan had a great round with scoring a 5.37 on his second wave and a 6.10 on his fourth wave. The waves were cooking and allowed Dylan to surf them from the back to the front. With great excitement – Dylan exited the water with the top score in his heat. 

Little did we know that the next heat would include top wave scores from Matthew Maxwell from South Africa. After a 5.40 on his second wave, Matt scored a 4.40, placing him third behind Daniel Hughes. Matt waited for the last seconds in his heat, and with a shock to Daniel’s system, already being interviewed for his second spot, Matt got onto his last wave – 30 seconds from the end – and landed every turn from the back to the very end of the best wave up until then. He scored an 8.73. The vuvuzelas reflected these scores with great and loud blows. 

Khara’s heat was coming up and she entered the water with a great excitement after the previous day’s great heat. Khara had a tough heat with Candice Appleby and Lara Claydon from the United States of America and Aline Adisaka from Brazil. Khara had difficulty in getting waves while the others had priority with good sets that came through. She surfed until the end but was not able to place in the top two in this repo round. 

It was time for repechage round 4 for Dylan and Matthew. Matthew was up against Zane Schweitzer from the United States of America, Gabriel Salazar from Chile and Juan de los Reyes from Spain. Matt scored on great waves throughout his heat, with a 4.23 on his second wave. With great disappointment – the commentator announced an interference call after wave two – saying that Matt was warned that he was prone paddling more than five strokes and received the interference penalty on his second warning. This was massively disappointing especially with his fourth and fifth wave scoring 6.2 and 5.10, which would’ve placed him in second place but knocked him down to 3rd because of the penalty. This meant the end for Matt’s surfing at Worlds. Great surfing Matt! 

Dylan was next and up against Clement Roseyro from France, Guillermo Carracedo from Spain and Jefferson Tascon from Columbia. With some difficulty in finding waves, Dylan scored 5.63 and 5.10 on the two waves that he caught. It was two great waves but was unfortunately not enough to move him from third place.

And just like that – El Salvador Surf City 2019 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships was done and dusted. So what did we do next? We had burritos, organised a bus, packed our boards and found our way to Playa Punta Roca where there were a couple of locals and fun waves. Great fun was found, here. We ended the day with burgers and pasta at our favourite restaurant with the Danish Team. 

What is left for today? Closing Ceremony at 1 pm on Sunday and a Closing fiesta at 6 pm. You can also watch the surfing finals this morning (afternoon in South Africa), which has just started.

Just a massive thanks to Ben Reed and Sean Evans for the great photos throughout the World Championships.