Gulf Coast SUP Championships

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Just got back Sunday night from Tampa, Florida where I competed in the Gulf Coast SUP Championships. My Dad went with me and it was a long trip but worth it cause the event was really fun. It was 92 degrees and HUMID. They took us on a boat ride Friday night before the race to check out the course. It started in the Gulf, entered the inter coastal water way, then finished in the Gulf, 9 miles total. There was boat traffic, wind chop, low bridges to pass under and did I mention the heat? Brody Welte of Kahuna Kai Paddle and Beach Shop in Madeira Beach did a great job organizing the event. People came from California, Hawaii, North Carolina, the Keys and all over Florida. Southern hospitality is alive and well. I had a good race and took first in the men’s elite division and Brandi Baksic of California took first in the elite women’s division. Once again Joe Bark came up with a winning board, not to mention a killer paint job. It was awesome fast, Joe, thanks! Loved my Quickblade race paddle too, thanks Jim and the rest of the QB crew. Now home to finals week at school and more training for the Battle Hawaii. Really excited about that, it should be a great weekend. Competition is always

great but it is the people that make these events so fun. I look forward to getting together with everyone in Waikiki. See ya there. Aloha, ST