October 16th, 2009: Victoria SUP Race Recap

Unfortunately missed this one until now, but Ocean River Sports hosted an SUP Race on October 16th, 2009.

Here are the deets from Starboard:

Sunday Oct 18th Ocean River Sports in Victoria hosted the last of the Vancouver Island Stand Up Paddle Surfing race series. This race was the windup of a series of three starting in Comox in June, Qualicum in July and then Victoria. Sixteen SUPer’s braved the cold waters of Victoria harbour for the first Stand Up race to be held in the provinces’ capital.

The race commenced just after 10 in the morning where all competitors believed the conditions were going to be smooth sailing the whole way. Little did they know that just around the corner waiting for them were strong currents choppy seas and a fantastic head wind to top it off. Everyone was jostling at the start and as the gun went off the brothers Stuart and Andrew pulled off a early lead, they built on their lead from the start throughout the entire race with Stu finishing first and Andrew second, finishing the 5 km course in under 36 mins with Andrew close behind. Victoria’s Olivier Bluzat placed third and Comoxs’ Cory Brooks in 4th. Riley Richters lead the youth class. Outstanding performances from the Comox Valleys’ two 9year old SUPers inspired all the competitors with Josh Brooks finishing first and Dustin Raume second. A Starboard demo day and informal paddling clinic with Stu Robinson was held after the event which was a big hit!

“It was beautiful spot to be racing in down town Victoria and it was great to see so many people watching, everyone seemed stoked to see this new sport”, said Stu Robinson winner of the island series. “The team of 8 paddlers from Compass Adventure showed some really great paddling all on Starboard equipment.” “A big thanks to event organizers we hope to have 6 races in next years series.”

Click here for the complete report!