SO, YOU WANT TO DO A SUP RACE?

A first-timers guide to stand up paddle board racing as published in Get Out There Magazine

By Derek Schrotter

What is a SUP race?
Stand Up Paddling (or SUP for short) races are happening all over the country from coast to coast. Quality events go through a screening process in their application to be sanctioned by the WPA Canada (www.wpacanada.com) which governs the sport here in Canada under the World Paddle Association guidelines. There are basically three types of SUP races:

1. Point to Point: racers do an “out and back” style of course and may be required to do multiple laps depending on the distance.Races of this style are great for all levels of paddlers especially beginners.
2. B.O.P. (Battle of the Paddle): BOP styles races involve turning around multiple buoys in a figure 8 type course and involve beach starts, beach runs after each lap and beach finish.The beach aspect adds a fun setting to the race as well as a skill set to come in and out of the beach area.The “chicane run” (jumping off of your board and running from exit point to re entry point along the beach) takes a pretty big toll on the paddlers legs/endurance.The most famous race is the Battle of the Paddle California and Hawaii from which this style took its moniker.
3. Downwind/Distance races: Generally “open” water races requiring skills beyond that of a point to point race.Racers do race “point to point” but in bigger water conditions and only in one direction with the wind and waves at their back, allowing them to ride waves to a faster time.The most famous of this style of race is the Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships.

How do I train for my first SUP race?
First thing is to make sure that you get enough time to prepare by spending time on your board (or renting one prior to the event). Even if the race is on calm water you will be surprised by the “bumpiness” that come off of other paddle boards around you. Even just a small amount of practice will be enough for a beginner SUP paddler to do their first race of less than 5km (a novice paddler with only a few weeks of paddling will do 5km in about 45 -50 minutes). For the more advanced racers they can take a look at one of Canada’s top SUP paddlers Larry Cain (www.larrycain.ca). Larry’s clinics are recognized as one of the best clinics in North America and he shares some of his insight into preparing for a SUP race on the website.


What gear and clothing do I need?
Really all you need is a board, paddle and PFD with a whistle for most stand up paddle board races! It is really that simple! Clothing wise, most people just wear what they would wear if they were going for a run outside that day. Hydration is always a good idea and almost mandatory performance wise for events lasting more then 45’. Leashes are also a good idea depending on conditions. Remember that it is the LAW that you have a Canadian approved PFD and signalling device while on a paddle board outside of a recognized surf zone (more info can be found here :www.pspsupspecialists.com/mustang-inflatable-pfd-md3071/


How much does it cost to participate in a SUP race?
Races in Canada cost between $35 and $65 for most races. Some are even FREE, like the kids event at the Eastern Canada SUP Championship (even the equipment can be provided free of charge for the kids event). Most events will include a small BBQ afterwards and an award ceremony. The events with the higher cost are generally the more technical events that have a higher level of service needed (such as support motor boats on the open water races, etc.).


What skills do I need to have to complete a SUP race?
There are no special skills required to complete a SUP race. Just a willingness to try something new and be comfortable around water. A lesson or two before your event would be a great idea and your instructor can help you feel more comfortable.

Derek Schrotter is the Canadian Director for the WPA and a former coach/athlete having represented Canada in four different paddle sports. Derek is a former world champion in dragon boat and certifies instructors here in Canada for Stand Up Paddling. More information can be found on the race site (www.supintoronto.com) or by contacting Derek directly via the company websites: www.pspsupspecialists.com or www.paddlesportperformance.com

Videos of local Toronto Stand Up Paddle board races.

EASTERN CANADA SUP CHAMPIONSHIPS ELITE RACE

EASTERN CANADA SUP CHAMPIONSHIPS RECREATION RACE