Biggest field for world's fastest downwind SUP race
The world’s fastest downwind SUP race and arguably the most prestigious in Australia, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut will take place on Sunday 4th December 2016 in Mandurah and has a total prize pool of $17,350 making it the largest prize purse for an SUP event in the country.
With 130 competitors, it’s the biggest field in the event’s five-year history and remarkably, 70 per cent are from outside of Western Australia with competitors coming from as far away as New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore and Ireland as well as from around the country.
Stand Up Surf Shop co-owner Cameron McKay said that it was great to see so many interstate and international paddlers travel to Western Australia.
“The WA SUP community is proud of the inclusive friendly vibe that many competitors comment on – we’re welcoming paddlers from all over the country and overseas, and showing them a great time while they are here in WA, on and off their boards,” McKay said.
“We have great conditions for stand up paddle boarding in WA and are spoilt for choice - so many options and different conditions from rivers, calm bays, surf and we’re especially known for downwind SUP. There’s conditions that suit all levels for beginners to advanced.”
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut has attracted elite SUP competitors as well as first time downwind racers; the youngest competitor is 14 years old and the eldest is 60. Approximately 15 per cent of the field is female.
“I’m looking forward to the King of the Cut – this year is bigger and better with more entrants than ever before. It’s a fantastic opportunity for competitors to benchmark their skills against some of the best downwinders in the world,” McKay said
Among the first timers are three 14 year olds; two from Noumea and one from Perth, the latter who’ll be racing against his 52-year-old father.
Whilst there isn’t a junior category as such in the King of the Cut, the young competitors have had to demonstrate their competency and skills before race organisers accepted their entry.
Elite Australian competitors include ISA SUP Marathon World Champion Michael Booth, 7-time Champion Surf Lifesaving Ironwoman Karla Gilbert OAM and Olympic Gold Medallist and Women’s National Marathon SUP Champion Belinda Stowell-Brett OAM.
Competing for world tour points or state representation, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut competitors will paddle 24 kilometres starting at The Dawesville Cut at Port Boulevard and finishing at Secret Harbour.
The King or Queen of the Cut title will be awarded to the first paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age, however, only competitors paddling 14 foot boards are eligible for prize money.
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut is also the headline event for West Oz Downwind Week, which combines five races in the space of a week.
The optimal weather conditions of the powerful and consistent “Fremantle Doctor” sea breeze makes this fast event a favourite with SUP racers.
Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville Cut and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour from approximately 4.45pm. Entry is free.
For further information, visit kingofthecut.com or supwa.com.au
- Over 130 international, interstate and local competitors – 70% of competitors are from outside of WA
- World’s fastest downwind paddle race
- 4 December 2016, Mandurah, Western Australia
The world’s fastest downwind SUP race and arguably the most prestigious in Australia, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut will take place on Sunday 4th December 2016 in Mandurah and has a total prize pool of $17,350 making it the largest prize purse for an SUP event in the country.
With 130 competitors, it’s the biggest field in the event’s five-year history and remarkably, 70 per cent are from outside of Western Australia with competitors coming from as far away as New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore and Ireland as well as from around the country.
Stand Up Surf Shop co-owner Cameron McKay said that it was great to see so many interstate and international paddlers travel to Western Australia.
“The WA SUP community is proud of the inclusive friendly vibe that many competitors comment on – we’re welcoming paddlers from all over the country and overseas, and showing them a great time while they are here in WA, on and off their boards,” McKay said.
“We have great conditions for stand up paddle boarding in WA and are spoilt for choice - so many options and different conditions from rivers, calm bays, surf and we’re especially known for downwind SUP. There’s conditions that suit all levels for beginners to advanced.”
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut has attracted elite SUP competitors as well as first time downwind racers; the youngest competitor is 14 years old and the eldest is 60. Approximately 15 per cent of the field is female.
“I’m looking forward to the King of the Cut – this year is bigger and better with more entrants than ever before. It’s a fantastic opportunity for competitors to benchmark their skills against some of the best downwinders in the world,” McKay said
Among the first timers are three 14 year olds; two from Noumea and one from Perth, the latter who’ll be racing against his 52-year-old father.
Whilst there isn’t a junior category as such in the King of the Cut, the young competitors have had to demonstrate their competency and skills before race organisers accepted their entry.
Elite Australian competitors include ISA SUP Marathon World Champion Michael Booth, 7-time Champion Surf Lifesaving Ironwoman Karla Gilbert OAM and Olympic Gold Medallist and Women’s National Marathon SUP Champion Belinda Stowell-Brett OAM.
Competing for world tour points or state representation, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut competitors will paddle 24 kilometres starting at The Dawesville Cut at Port Boulevard and finishing at Secret Harbour.
The King or Queen of the Cut title will be awarded to the first paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age, however, only competitors paddling 14 foot boards are eligible for prize money.
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut is also the headline event for West Oz Downwind Week, which combines five races in the space of a week.
The optimal weather conditions of the powerful and consistent “Fremantle Doctor” sea breeze makes this fast event a favourite with SUP racers.
Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville Cut and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour from approximately 4.45pm. Entry is free.
For further information, visit kingofthecut.com or supwa.com.au
ISA SUP Marathon World Champion Michael Booth and Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Stowell-Brett who are both competing in the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut. Photo: ProntoPR
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