Surftech Shootout starts tomorrow!

[mastman]

Do a whole write-up about it.  How was the race?  Did you do the long or short course?  What did you learn about the surf comp?

[sup_surf_giant]

Do a whole write-up about it.  How was the race?  Did you do the long or short course?  What did you learn about the surf comp?

Here's what I posted over on the SoulSUP forum:


It began in a benign way with my shaper, Dave Beohne from Infinity, suggesting I road trip to Santa Cruz for the Shootout. He mentioned that you're guaranteed to surf 2 heats.

I figured that surfing the Lane with 3 guys out is worth $60...so I signed up.

This would also become my first chance to race a SUP, so I signed up for the short course.

The Shootout weekend arrived with mild temps and a moderate 4-6' swell in the water which wasn't too cold.

My first heat was Friday morning early. As I paddle out to my heat on my 7'11, Dave was paddling in from his heat and mentioned how warbly and bumpy the water was. I took the hint and went back to the car to get my 8'5.


Santa Cruz 2013 heat 1 by ewxlt, on Flickr

I surfed poorly, never really felt in control of my big board. Got about 4 waves and threw some turns, but nothing amazing. Placed last.. Ugh.

Watched lots of great surfing taking place though.

Saturday AM the SUP race was on. The horn blew and the hoard dashed to the water. I jumped in line and we took off around the pier. Man that buoy is waaaaaay out there! I settled in for the long haul and just kept stroking. Turning around the buoy I passed a handful of folks.

Headed back towards the pier and just tried to keep pace with those around me.

As we rounded the pier and headed for shore, I choked up on the shaft and put the pedal down. Got a little runner in, surfed it a bit and jumped to shore and took off on the run. That hurt. Finished with a smile.

Ended up placing 3rd in my class.


Untitled by ewxlt, on Flickr

The guys from Infinity did great! Slater won, Anthony Vela got 4th I think, Chance Fielder 5th, Willis got 7th. Lots of them in the top 10. I photobombed them here. =)


Untitled by ewxlt, on Flickr

That afternoon it was time for my 2nd heat...with the wind a bit more calm I stuck with my trusted 7'11 and hit the water. I nabbed some great waves, fun turns, sliding the tail, got a head dip on the inside on one and had a general blast in spite of how exhausted I was.

Ended up winning my heat and getting a shot at the Quarter-finals.

That night had a great BBQ at Sup the Mags house where they passed out medals and some great food.

Sunday AM my heat went as poorly as possible.

1st wave, closed out after I dropped in. When I ejected it took me for a beating.

2nd wave, got hung up in the lip and dropped 10' down into oblivion for my 2nd beating in as many minutes. Over the falls twice, jersey ripped off, paddle gone. When I surfaced I was dangerously near the cliff, out of breath and freaking out.

2 or 3 more on the head and I was able to grab my paddle and get back to the line up.

Needless to say, I lost.

All in wall, great waves, great experience, great pain, great food. great event.

I'll be attempting to take part again!

Here's some pics:

Brent Pascoe from Infinity in his quarter-final heat:

Untitled by ewxlt, on Flickr

[endlessfight]

there were some legit waves coming in to the lane for the comp it was great. good on you for going out man im gonna watch some of those heats on the ustream website since i missed streaming it live.

[sup_surf_giant]

there were some legit waves coming in to the lane for the comp it was great. good on you for going out man im gonna watch some of those heats on the ustream website since i missed streaming it live.

My second heat at low rode was pretty great. There's some good surfing to be seen, mostly not from me b