Battle of the Paddle,
California
Who is your main rival (male or
female) when it comes to home grown
SUP? Anyone make you groan when
you face off on the start line?
The ladies competition in the UK has grown
massively this year, both in quality and quantity,
which is fantastic and really great for our sport. For
the first time this year, we had a separate female
start line – much fairer and probably less
intimidating for newcomers. I always get nervous
before a race, no matter what the conditions, how big
or small the race or who I am lined up against on the
start line. As the start approaches I will most likely be
wearing a serious game face. It's not directed
towards anyone in particular, it’s just my way of
dealing with nerves and focusing on the race ahead.
You recently returned from an epic Battle of the Paddle
event in Cali – how was it? What’s your highlight from Salt
Creek? Any big take downs?
Yes, I loved it! This was my second year competing in the Battle of the Paddle,
California. Last year at Doneny, conditions were a lot less intimidating and a perfect
introduction for me. Conditions at Salt Creek were much more challenging and took
me way out of my comfort zone! Fortunately, apart from getting nailed at the start in
both the elite and distance races by big sets, I avoided any collisions and both me
and my board remained intact. I witnessed plenty of carnage and takedowns during
the men's heats. The highlight for me was watching the men's final from the beach.
Awesome!
What’s your best UK and best
international result to date?
I was thrilled to win the overall National SUP Clubs
Series title on my 12.6ft race board. This was my
third year of winning a National SUP Race title and
my third consecutive year qualifying for a place in
Team GB to compete in the ISA World
Championships. My best international achievement
was winning the gruelling 220km SUP 11 Cities race
in the Netherlands, in 2013. Without a doubt this
was the longest, toughest endurance event I have
ever completed.
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Who was your main competition at BOP?
In the elite race, I came 22nd in a very close race with Hawaiian, Morgan Hoesterey. I
hadn't really been particularly aware of her presence for most of the race as I must
have been in survival mode. We had an exciting race to the finish, sharing a final wave
into the beach and then a head to head sprint across the finish line.
For the distance I had to race in the open category as I didn't have a 14ft board to
use. The open category was still very competitive and I v2FVƖv