Jan 2012
Have been super busy since we did the flood relief trips, since then we have also been on the road with a Thai Film Crew who are covering Thailands growing watersports culture. This month - INTERNATIONAL SUP event in Pattaya, plus a 31km OCEAN SUP Island crossing and more..
BOP SUP Race - at the Asian Championships Jan 2012
Thank you to the Windsurfing Association of Thailand for letting us host this months BOP SUP race at the 2012 PATTAYA CITY ASIAN WINDSURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS on 29th January 2012 at Surf Kitchen, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya City, Thailand
We were planning to have 5 teams from 5 countries racing SUP - BOP style - We were over-subsrcibed and even with 6 people on each team, many people missed out. We had a Coaches race planned also, but the truck arrived to take all the sailors equipment to the airport, so we had to cancel that last race this time. The event was the most fun ever, super high energy fun with world class athletes. For many of them it was their first time on SUP, but they learned so fast as they were eager to bring victory to their team - Team Hong Kong Won, and Howard Chang from Taiwan took the overal first prize in the knock out race. (most of the teams had mixed Nations)
First Prize was a Premium Carbon Starboard Paddle with Removable Blade - valued at 8,000THB - this is auguably the finest SUP paddle made, as used by SUP Legend, Conner Baxter to win multiple championships.
SUP with the Champions - Koh Samet SUP Demo Day and Fun Race
SUP champions fun race and SUP demo day on Koh Samet. From front Left : Zane Schweitzer, Conner Baxter, Bart De Zwart, Sean Poynter, and whos is that on the end ? me! Still cant work out why I came last in the fun race to the lighthouse and back.. Zane past me while paddling on one leg, (he did not realize we were racing). These guys, despite being absolute legends, were super cool and so freindly - real ambassadors for the sport. I learned even more about race paddle technique also, which I am happy to pass on - please contact me about Wednesday evening paddle sessions at 5.00pm (booking essential).
Australia Day on the 26th of January was a big hit at Drifters Beach Cafe, Naa Jomtien
We had a fun SUP race to the Luxury 52' Charter Catamaran " Rhumba" and back. Montabelle Charters invited all aboard to scoff lamingtons and sponsored first place prize of a day trip for the lucky SUP champions. Special thanks also to "Matvic " supplies for the fantastic succulant BBQ. If your tired of having pork on your fork - contact these boys to stock your freezer with some tender n'tasty steaks at wholesale prices. Maria and Pauline, won Windsurf and SUP lessons at Amara Watersports which they just started yesterday(feb 6th). Drifters Beach Cafe sponsored a free meal.(no doubt an excellent wood fired gormet pizza) for 3rd place. If your interested in hosting an SUP race of your own, plesase contact us.
More SUP news - Lanta Paddle Sports - the Starboard Windsurfing and SUP school club and shop with one of the best locations in Thailand is going to host a 31km OCEAN PADDLE between Koh Lanta and the famous PHI PHI Isalnds. He is looking for people who are interested in joining this epic first time event. Check it out this Amazing Thailand SUP Island Adventure here
The new 2012 Starboard DVD is now online
starboard 2012 DVD full movie from Windsurfer Magazine on Vimeo.
We test the New Starboard Carve 121 Carbon Windsurfing Board - which so totally Rocks!
Some of this months happy customers
"The first shipment arrived today with no damage and the quality of the boards is Ace and we thank you kindly.
We sold a board + an adjustable paddle + two hydration packs in a few hours while unpacking....(2 walk in customers got the hype)."
