Tension mounting at Turtle Bay, while Florida Stop in Cocoa Beach gathers momentum
Friday 10 August
Cocoa Beach Florida to host World Series in September
We are proud to confirm that on the 8th and 9th of September, Cocoa Beach Florida and more specifically, the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach will host the next Pacifico US stop on the Stand Up World Series.
Starboard will continue their association with the mainland US stops on the World Series coming on board as a premier partner of the event, as will Maui Jim Eyewear, synonymous with not only the sport and its athletes, but the culture.
Originally slated for Miami, the move in location will provide better access to and synergy with the Surf Expo, but also allow us to visit this beautiful surf and paddle community and create a legacy for the World Series in Florida moving forward.
Like all World Series events, the Cocoa Beach Paddle Classic will feature both long distance and sprint courses, and allow athletes to take in the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier and bring stand up paddling at its best to the key beach communities lining this beautiful stretch of coastline.
The event will feature leading athletes such as Connor Baxter (Starboard), Slater Trout, Annabel Anderson (Starboard) and most likely leading European athletes such as Eric Terrien (Bic SUP), but will also be open to all as we celebrate both the leading edge of the SUP Racing world, but also the extensive local paddling community in Florida as well.
The event will also feature a couple of Exhibition Surf Sessions, featuring a host of the World’s leading athletes on the Stand Up World Tour inclusive of current Rankings leader and Florida native, Sean Poynter (Starboard).
Registration is already open online at register.standupworldseries.
Amongst the world’s best head to Turtle Bay this weekend
Amongst the World’s best stand up paddle racers are heading to Turtle Bay this weekend for the Turtle Bay Summer Paddle Challenge, presented by Pacifico and Naish.
Oahu will be well represented this weekend by North Shore paddlers such as Noa Ginella (Naish), Mo Freitas, but also the Napoleon Family powerhouse (Rogue) and Kaeo Abbey (Art in Surf). Kaeo has been having a great season this year, as has Noa Ginella, who was on an incredible roll until he was plagued by an injury that took him out for the last month. He will be looking to reassert himself at home here on the North Shore.
Maui crew set to turn heads on Oahu’s fabled North Shore
The Maui crew will be here in force this weekend, headlined by Racing Super star Connor Baxter (Starboard), Kody Kerbox (Naish), Bart de Swart (Starboard) and last year’s Sprints winner here at Turtle Bay, Zane Schweitzer (Starboard).
Coming off another incredible win at the Molokai to Oahu, Connor Baxter currently lies in 2nd on the overall rankings for the Stand Up World Series, although a win here would put him ahead of current leader, 2x Surfing World Champion Kai Lenny (Naish).
Host of talent from the Big Island and beyond will gather
From the Big Island comes Jerry Bess (Naish), an experienced paddler who will be looking to take on the younger generation and come out on top, but also one of the women’s leading athletes, Jenny Kalmbach (Naish).
Our international field includes current leading Lady on the Stand Up World Series, Annabel Anderson (Starboard) from New Zealand, and Belar Diaz (Fanatic) from Spain, both serious contenders here on the Stand UP World Series.
The race will feature this leading athletes, but also open its arms to the local paddle community, with prone paddle division for both long distance and sprints, and a 14′ and Open SUP class as well as an OC1 Canoe class for the long distance.
Stay tuned to www.standupworldseries.com for live updates, news and highlights from this groundbreaking event featuring a completely new long distance course from one of Oahu’s most iconic beaches around one of the more remote and beautiful stretches of coastline on Oahu.
The Hukilau fishing tradition lives on in Laie
The long distance race will start at the iconic Hukilau Beach in the beautiful east side town of Laie. As one of the more picturesque beaches on the east side of the island, Hukilau Beach is also steeped in history and tradition, with the importance of the traditional fishing practice giving it its name.
The Community of Laie and Hukilau Cafe welcome both athletes and spectators alike to join them for a re-enactment of this traditional practice, as the community comes together to celebrate their special history and share it with the world.
This will start with breakfast from Hukilau Cafe at 10am and run through to 12pm, running in cunjunction with the race check in, and the actual race briefing and opening Pule will take place at 1pm for a 1.30pm start.
Climactic finish, social events & sprint course@ Turtle Bay
Come down and join us at Ola’s Restaurant on the east side of Turtle Bay to celebrate the finish of the race and enjoy Pacifico on tap. With a preview of the evening’s entertainment in the form of Ekolu Kalama singing live, a silent auction / raffle opportunity to win incredible prizes such as bikes, surfboards, sunglasses, a stay at Turtle Bay and mich more, all in aid of the North Shore Lifeguard Association and Kanalu.
In the evening, Men in Grey Suits will open at Surfer the Bar from 7pm, followed by Ekolu Kalama for an evening to remember.
Sunday, will be back to Hang Ten Pool Bar for the World Series Sprints that will once again challenge the athletes in this heat elimination format, the most spectator friendly event in the dynamic sport of Stand up Paddling. So stay tuned to the Stand Up World Series facebook and www.standupworldseries.com for news, live updates and highlights from this Summer celebration.
Book a stay @ Turtle Bay for World Championship Finals
Take advantage of a special athlete rate at Turtle Bay Resort for the World Championship Finals from the 12th – 14th. Book early to secure your room at the hotel, as the hotel fills up fast. Email entryrace@watermanleague.com to receive the special athlete booking code.
Online entry will be open this month for these prestigious FInals, so stay tuned.
A big Mahalo to our partners of the Turtle Bay Challenge
A big Mahalo also to our Stand Up World Tour Patrons
0 Responses to “Tension mounting at Turtle Bay, while Florida Stop in Cocoa Beach gathers momentum”