T e l l u s a b o u t t h e S U P s c e n e i n y o u r n e i g h b o u r h o o d – i s s t a n d u p g e t t i n g m o r e p o p u l a r o r c o u l d m o r e w o r k b e d o n e t o a t t r a c t n e w b i e s? So far it definitely feels like more people are doing it this summer, especially when it ' s small. Also there is a lot happening on the estuary( Camel) with the surf schools.
D o y o u w o r k w i t h a n y c l u b s o r S U P s c h o o l s t o h e l p b o o s t p a r t i c i p a t i o n l e v e l s? Not at the moment. I had a school in the early days but found the lugging and storage of heavy boards a pain. It must be much easier now with blow ups.
T a l k u s t h r o u g h y o u r c o m p e t i t i v e S U P c a r e e r t o d a t e – w h a t h a v e b e e n t h e h i g h s a n d l o w s? I competed in John Hibbard’ s 2007 September Sessions back at the beginning of SUP competition in this country – which was still the most fun event I’ ve been part of. It had surf and race together with such a great atmosphere.
The low point sadly has to be the last BSUPA comp at Gwithian. Great venue, weather and people, but literally no waves. 18cm would have been stretching it, never mind the BSUPA competition minimum of 18 inches.
G i v e u s y o u r o p i n i o n o n U K S U P s u r f i n g a s a w h o l e – d o y o u t h i n k w e c a n m i x i t u p o n t h e w o r l d s t a g e s? It will be interesting to see how well we do in real waves. Matt( Barker-Smith) and Aaron( Rowe) have given strong performances in the past and it looks like Ollie( Laddiman) and Blue( Ewer) are going to be pushing it in the future. It ' s just a shame there aren ' t more young guys coming up through the ranks.
H o w f a r d o y o u p l a n o n t a k i n g i t – w i l l F i j i b e e n o u g h o r d o y o u h a v e y o u r s i g h t s s e t o n f u r t h e r g l o b a l e v e n t s? I really can ' t think beyond Fiji at the moment.
W h a t a r e y o u m o s t l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o a b o u t t h e W o r l d C h a m p s i n F i j i? Surfing in paradise!
H o w d o y o u t h i n k y o u’ l l p e r f o r m – a n y a n x i e t i e s y e t o r w i l l t h a t b e l a t e r? Until we know which spot we will be competing at I can ' t say. The ISA still haven ' t given out details on where the event will be yet. Hopefully it will be announced soon. But wherever it is I will give it my all.
T e l l u s a b o u t t h e k i t y o u’ r e c u r r e n t l y u s i n g a n d h o w, i f a n y, t h i s’ l l d i f f e r f r o m t h e s e t u p y o u’ l l b e h e a d i n g t o F i j i w i t h? At Escape I am constantly experimenting, shaping and testing new boards. Latest is a 7’ 6” X 26 ¼” squash tail thruster. I will probably take something like this and a 7’ 8”- 7’ 10” for when it gets bigger. Again I can ' t really say fully until I know what spot we will compete at.
s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 38