Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine - Coreban Stand Up Paddle Surfing Gear hosts first “SUP” event in South Africa

Coreban Stand Up Paddle Surfing Gear hosts first “SUP” event in South Africa

By: Premier Hawaii

Monday, 22 September 2008

PRESS RELEASE: Cape Town - South Africa

On Location: Cape Town, S. Africa

This weekend saw sports history in the making as people from around the Cape Province flocked to Cape Town to be a part of the first Stand Up Paddle Boarding event in South Africa.

After months of cold fronts, planning an event in Cape Town 2 months in advance, especially during early Spring season can be a hit or miss but as Saturday morning arrived with a light offshore breeze and 4 ft waves, the stage was set for a perfect Paddle boarding day.

Close to 80 riders many of whom attempted the sport for the first time, took part in the event as equipment was supplied free of charge by Bilt, Coreban, Naish & Starboards.

Racing was without a doubt the highlight of the day as the top riders took off around the island race with a Le mans start and sprint finish.

"The unique thing about this event is that it is the first time in 20 years of doing professional watersports that I have seen athletes from so many different sporting backgrounds participate in one event and all have fun at the same time" said Ivan van Vuuren, event organizer. "We had top rugby profiles, SA Champ longboarder Tyrone Jensen, Former World Champions Nicki Carstens (paddleskiier), Clinton Celliers (kneeboarder) plus other sporting personalities from kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfski and surf backgrounds going all out and doing it standing up" said van Vuuren.

"... it is the first time in 20 years of doing professional watersports that I have seen athletes from so many backgrounds participate in one event and all have fun at the same time," said Ivan Van Vuuren, event organizer.

"This is the world's fastest growing watersport and judging by this weekends event we can see why men, women and children from all walks of life, even as far as the African continent are enjoying both the exercise and wave riding aspects of this Traditional Hawaiian Sport."

Results:

1^st. Nicki Carstens

2^nd. Clinton Celliers

3^rd. Barend Buys

1^st. Lady. Haley Smuts

1^st. Junior. Greg Hutchinson

See full event and details at www.Coreban.com