10/20 - Saturday SUP5000 (the second)

Saturday morning I was up bright and early for the second SUP 5000 hosted by Stand Up Surf Shop and DC Boards.  The name is a little misleading for the ladies as we only do 3000m – the boys get the extra 2000m race making it a 5000m for them.

My recap of the inaugural race can be found here.

Once again, the format (for the ladies) was as follows:
1500m race
paddle back easily to start
1000m race
paddle back easily to start
500m race

The combined total from your placings in the three races determined the winner (lowest total wins). 

Once again Michelle led the pack and not just by a little but she set a furious pace that no one could keep up with and the battle for the rest of us was far behind.  There were some fierce battles as well.  In the first race I think I placed 3^rd or 4^th unable to chase down Jade but close to Ann (I think I might have passed her near the end).  I had a horrible start and was chasing the pack though thankfully I have sufficient endurance to easily last the 1500m and make up some ground at the back end of the course. 

The second race was by far the hardest for me.  It was neck and neck between Jade, Ann and myself for 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th.  I think I beat them both at the line but barely and I had to work really hard for it.  I definitely felt my shoulder rebelling – we had a side wide that made for a lot of paddling on the left.  Going into the final race I knew I needed to have a good start as it was only 500m and not much distance to make up any ground as I could from the previous two.  I think it went well and my endurance got me to the finish in second place – not as tight as the previous race either so it hurt a bit less.

At the end of the day I placed second with Michelle in first and Jade  in third.  It was a great day all around.  The turnout was amazing – seemed like double the people from the first go round.  Angie came out and raced my board (her third time on a SUP I think) and she did amazing and I think is getting hooked on the sport which I’m super excited about.  The sun was shining and the wind was (mostly) at our backs which made for a great day on the water.  I’m a bit sore and a little sunburned but it was worth it.

Some pictures from the day – ‘borrowed’ from the SUP forum, thanks Roger and your crew on the finish line boat and to all the SUPWA board members and those who volunteered on the day – without you guys these things wouldn’t happen…and the biggest thanks to Stimo for letting me use his DC12'6" race board.  I love it and am looking to pick up a DC board of my own in the near future.  Check out the DC website.

Loving the DC board (thanks Stimo)

The smile says it all!

Michelle, Me and Jade