Apps and Purser crowned inaugural champions

History was created today as the first ever NSW Standup Paddleboard champions were crowned at the picturesque One Mile Beach.

Greeted with clear skies, light offshore winds and beautiful, clean lines, the best Paddlers in the state put on a memorable show, heralding just how far the fledging sport has come.

With approximately 50 competitors competing for prestigious state titles and the opportunity to compete at the Australian Stand Up Paddleboard Titles,  held as part of the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival at Port Macquarie in August, spectators, competitors and event organisers were on tenterhooks before the opening siren.

In the Open Male division, high scores highlighted the preliminary rounds of competition as competitors pushed the limits of traditional paddleboarding.

Seeing futuristic moves infused with traditional nuances, the level of competition rose as the event widdled down to the pointy end.

However, after some amazing performances, it was Ben Apps (Woonona, NSW) who stood tallest when the smoke cleared.

Defeating Noel Graham (Lennox Head, NSW), Rodger Saunders (Minnie Waters, NSW) and Scott Downing (Woonona, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Apps found himself the first ever NSW Standup Paddleboard champion.

“I’m stoked,” he said.

“To take the first ever state title is a real honour,” he added after accruing a total heat score of 15.74 (out of a possible 20).

Having been an excellent junior surfer, Apps has only been riding paddleboards for approximately 18 months.

“I had no idea what they were until a year and a half ago,” he admitted wryly.

“But since then the level of skill and competition has risen out of sight.”

Having ridden a wave of popularity, across the globe, over the past decade, stand-up paddleboarding has etched its way firmly into the sphere of competitive and recreational surfing, culminating with this inaugural event.
 
The hybrid discipline, which takes inspiration from surfing, skiing, wakeboarding and skateboarding, continues to rapidly evolve and grow in popularity.

In the Open Women division it was Sondra Purser (Merewether, NSW) who led from the front to take a commanding victory over Cinde Fisher (Crescent Head, NSW), Di Clasby (Freshwater, NSW) and Melissa McManus (Woollamia, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively.

“I’m really honoured to have won this event,” Purser said tallying an impressive 12.34 (out of a possible 20) in the final.

“I’ve been experimenting a lot with my equipment recently, so hopefully I can continue to improve in time for the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival.”

Having finalised a superb team of stand up paddleboarders for The Country Energy Australian Surf Festival, NSW look to be in great stead for the second ever stand up paddleboard national titles.

For more information be sure to visit www.surfingnsw.com.au or find Surfing NSW on Facebook.

The NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles is proudly supported by Port Stephens Council, Events Port Stephens, Business Port Stephens, Samurai Beach Resort and Surfing NSW.

About the Partnership

Business Port Stephens, the economic development unit of Port Stephens Council has an event arm, known as Events Port Stephens – and together, the two bodies work quietly and consistently behind the scenes with key sporting bodies to bring events to the region. They also work closely with the Sports Solutions team within Council.

Working on the back of the success of the Billabong Pro Junior in late 2008, Events Port Stephens and Surfing NSW have been discussing ideas and concepts that can work in Port Stephens, particularly utilising One Mile, Birubi and Fingal beach breaks. It is hoped the event can grow into the future with the addition of other Stand Up Paddleboard activities, such as coaching clinics, starter lessons, board demonstrations, Stillwater racing, coach training and familiarisation workshops.

NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles Media Contact:
Michael Tyrpenou
Surfing NSW Media Manager
Mob: 0459 160 292
Email: michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au

NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles Event Contact:
Peter Hunt
Surfing NSW Operations Manager
Mob: 0401 826 847
Email: peterh@surfingnsw.com.au

History to be created at Port Stephens

Having ridden a wave of popularity, across the globe, over the past decade, stand-up paddleboarding has etched its way firmly into the sphere of competitive and recreational surfing, culminating with this inaugural event.

The hybrid discipline, which takes inspiration from surfing, skiing, wakeboarding and skateboarding, continues to rapidly evolve and grow in popularity.

With approximately 50 competitors competing for prestigious state titles and the opportunity to compete at the Australian Stand Up Paddleboard Titles, which will be held as part of the Country Energy Australian Surf Festival at Port Macquarie in August, spectators and event organisers are looking forward to what’s in store.

“We’re delighted to be hosting the inaugural NSW Stand Up Paddle Board titles and are very much looking forward to a collaborative partnership with Surfing NSW to develop Port Stephens as a destination for competitors and enthusiasts of this growing style of surfing, ” Events Port Stephens Co-ordinator, Jody O’Brien said.

“With such a diverse range of people taking up the sport, Port Stephens is a great destination for families and friends to enjoy whilst competition is on, with plenty of great activities to explore, both on and off the water,” O’Brien added.

Recognised as one the finest surfing and tourist destinations on the NSW coastline, Port Stephens will provide the perfect backdrop for such a prestigious event with One Mile Beach the prime location for competition.

“Port Stephens is an excellent surf location and will provide the perfect venue for the State’s best Stand Up Paddleboarders to strut their stuff,” said Surfing NSW Operations Manager, Peter Hunt.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Port Stephens Council through Events Port Stephens and Business Port Stephens to host the inaugural NSW SUP Titles at Port Stephens.”

“We are committed to working with Port Stephens Council to build the event in 2011 and beyond into a broader Stand Up Paddleboard Festival featuring additional divisions and events held around the competition over a full weekend,” he added.

With the best watermen, and women, including showcasing the emerging sport, Constable was in great touch, showing no signs of fatigue after winning his fifth Australian Longboard title just a day earlier.

The NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles is proudly supported by Port Stephens Council, Events Port Stephens, Business Port Stephens, Samurai Beach Resort and Surfing NSW.

About the Partnership

Business Port Stephens, the economic development unit of Port Stephens Council has an event arm, known as Events Port Stephens – and together, the two bodies work quietly and consistently behind the scenes with key sporting bodies to bring events to the region. They also work closely with the Sports Solutions team within Council.

Working on the back of the success of the Billabong Pro Junior in late 2008, Events Port Stephens and Surfing NSW have been discussing ideas and concepts that can work in Port Stephens, particularly utilising One Mile, Birubi and Fingal beach breaks. It is hoped the event can grow into the future with the addition of other Stand Up Paddleboard activities, such as coaching clinics, starter lessons, board demonstrations, Stillwater racing, coach training and familiarisation workshops.

NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles Media Contact:
Michael Tyrpenou
Surfing NSW Media Manager
Mob: 0459 160 292
Email: michaelt@surfingnsw.com.au

NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles Event Contact:
Peter Hunt
Surfing NSW Operations Manager
Mob: 0401 826 847
Email: peterh@surfingnsw.com.au
Website: http://www.surfingaustralia.com/nsw/event.php?id=149

(Maroubra, NSW – Wednesday, 30 June 2010): The first ever NSW Stand Up Paddleboard Titles is coming to Port Stephens this July, with the states best ready to fire.

Event Manual now available

The Event Manual is now available. Download the manual and handy checklists online or request a copy of them on CD.

Securing Successful Partnerships Workshop

Want to develop partnerships with business? Register NOW to participate in a free one-day workshop which will build the capacity of local artists and arts organisations to engage effectively with business.

Download a copy of the workshop flyer and register on-line at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ArtsBusinessWorkshop or phone Chloe Beevers on (02) 4980 0121.

Port’s Fun Regatta

Sail Port Stephens may have started small but it has now earned the tag of Australia’s fastest growing regatta, with at least 50 yachts set to compete next month and entries not closing until April 3.

To be held from April 12-18, it’s the third running of an event that has been hailed as cost-effective, family friendly and, above all, fun. The Bay’s inshore and offshore courses work a treat.

Money man Paul Clitheroe is bringing his Beneteau 45 Balance, fresh from an IRC Division 2 victory at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta.

Another notable entry is Rob Hanna’s TP 52 Shotgun from Victoria, while Guy and Clark Holbert will swap their oyster barge for the helm of a Farr 30 Rumbo to compete in the NSW IRC Championship.

The SB3 keelboat class is using the event as its Australian championship and Newcastle’s Mark Prince is at short odds to pull off an upset.

First up, on April 12, is the laid-back Commodores Cup and Port Stephens Trophy before the racing gets serious over the weekend.

“We’re committed to delivering a memorable experience every year, both on and off the water, which naturally makes people want to keep coming back,” spokeswoman Jody O’Brien said.

“We cater for everyone from the seriously competitive racing fleets to those who want to enjoy the cruising options with a bit of competition thrown in.”

See www.sailportstephens.com.au for more information.