It’s common to see recreational stand-up paddle boarders (SUP) testing their balance and skills in creeks, rivers and on tranquil seas around the country these days.
But there’s an increasing competitive side to the sport being showcased at the Pan Pacific Masters Games with the largest number of SUPs ever entered in this year’s competition.
Highly decorated in the SUP world with multiple titles to her name including winner of the 2023 Paddle Queensland Marathon, Brisbane SUP Vice President Janet Buchan said it was fantastic to have a local meet.
“We are grateful to Paddle Queensland for going to the effort of getting us into the Masters; it brings that next level of competition to our clubs,” Janet said.
“We’ve had great support, and this competition is important for the growth of SUP with lots more people racing overseas now.”
The two-day competition held on Oxenford Lake includes a variety of disciplines for the SUP participants who hail from as far north as Bundaberg in the Wide Bay region.
“Today was the first technical race where you all start together and then race around buoys changing direction… it’s like a sprint race with turns but you need to brake and master those turns effectively.
“There is also a sprint race over 100m which means going in a straight line flat out which will certainly test us, that’s followed by a 10km marathon which is an endurance race and aligns with the world championships which are coming up in Florida, USA shortly.
“The relays are the final event which will be really fun for all participants.”
Brisbane based SUP star Julie Smith took out the gold medal in the women’s 100m sprint and said the event was a great dress rehearsal before she sets off to compete in the world championships in late November.
