Select to expand quotePeterP said..
Nothing is stopping any of them using a board than 12'6 - so if it was that great you'd probably have seen quite a few on them already.
The only time a 12'6 (or 14'/UNL for that matter) doesn't work that well is when you get to the pitchy part of the wave coming in. Going out I'd argue the greater speed of a longer board increases your chance of clearing the next wave......if you are running into a pitching 6-8ft wave it doesn't really matter what you are on.
The race can be won or lost in those waves but majority of the BOP race takes place outside the surfzone and I'll bet that most the pro's would choose a 14' if it was allowed - noone would want to be dropped on the long flat stretches out the back and it might catch the wave marginally earlier.
IMO they should allow 14' in the Elite race and see what happens - at least then the Naish guys might get to race the long distance as well.
Do you SUP surf much PeterP? I am no racer, I do not train. I do have a 12.6, a 10.6 mal sup and a 8.4 naish. The naish the easiest to handle over the waves, the 12.6 fastest in GOOD water (not dead white water, and gets pulled around by currents more than the other 2) but the 10.6 mal gets me out the quickest as its half way between the 2….
Select to expand quotehusq2100 said..PeterP said..
Nothing is stopping any of them using a board than 12'6 - so if it was that great you'd probably have seen quite a few on them already.
The only time a 12'6 (or 14'/UNL for that matter) doesn't work that well is when you get to the pitchy part of the wave coming in. Going out I'd argue the greater speed of a longer board increases your chance of clearing the next wave......if you are running into a pitching 6-8ft wave it doesn't really matter what you are on.
The race can be won or lost in those waves but majority of the BOP race takes place outside the surfzone and I'll bet that most the pro's would choose a 14' if it was allowed - noone would want to be dropped on the long flat stretches out the back and it might catch the wave marginally earlier.
IMO they should allow 14' in the Elite race and see what happens - at least then the Naish guys might get to race the long distance as well.
Do you SUP surf much PeterP? I am no racer, I do not train. I do have a 12.6, a 10.6 mal sup and a 8.4 naish. The naish the easiest to handle over the waves, the 12.6 fastest in GOOD water (not dead white water, and gets pulled around by currents more than the other 2) but the 10.6 mal gets me out the quickest as its half way between the 2….
You don't race so I repeat: If shorter was faster then the guys would be on shorter......you can nit-pick and say that if this and that wave size, period/frequency then this or that might get you out slightly quicker on average - but there is a reason none of the 100 Elite racers were on shorter than 12'6....
Far out reading all this makes me feel pretty depressed!!
What do you guys do for fun? chess?
From someone who was at this event, i liked it and think it really helped push the elite side of the sport, there were people everywhere and the place was packed kind of reminded me of going to Quicky pro at snapper!! there was beach viewing and also viewing from up the top area where more tents were set up so i thought the crowd was bigger this year than in previous years just a bit more room to spread out.
On the event the racing side was super fun and 99% of people loved it and liked the new location the only down sides for me was the very bad call on the starts and some of the calls during the racing like in the girls race where some of the top girls missed a Buoy and the bad way the event handled it.
On all the videos coming out of the carnage that happens in nearly every sport and is great to watch, yes someone could get hurt but thats just life come on guys live a little bit hey!! you all sound like old men sitting in your arm chairs whinging at the guys who just want to have some fun.
Yes some people might have struggled out there but there was good water safety and good on them for giving it a go and enjoying life! I dont care if you dont want to do it but give all the people who do a break hey.
Yes BOP is PART of the future along with flatwater paddling and DW and everything else that SUP has going for it thats the joy with it and what makes it so much fun!!
On the board size thing one thing i did notice is how much harder it looked on the 14ft board coming in through the surf so not sure many would want to race a 14ft board in a BOP race like this!! well not unless i had a few spare anyway.
If you are worried about dinging your board buy a inflatable? and just have some fun, it's not all about winning and if it was only one guy would do it. I do it for fun not to make money or prove something to someone else just get a board and enjoy it!!
Siht i came nearly last and i had a ball doing so!!
I agree Jacko, that for the Elite racers and us armchair wannabees, the BOP is an amazing spectacle. I read somewhere that over 1200 took part last year but it was about half this year. The SUP world needs big mass-participation events to keep the interest going and as much as I want to see you pro's go all out in challenging stuff I wonder if the reduced number of entries is healthy. We are already beginning to see drop-off in a number of events (except perhaps the Molokai which sells out quicker each year) and the BOP at Doheny seemed to have found the ultimate formula where pro's and weekend warriors could line up and numbers just kept increasing.
If the event loses it's appeal to the weekend warrior and turns into a pro-circus only and then I think the organisers have missed a massive opportunity to continually grow the first mass-participation SUP event. Here in CT we have a cycle race that attracts 35,000 people and it sells out in 48 hours.....its about 100km so it;s a challenge but most people can do it - and it has a pro-section with proper prize-money etc. But's its no Tour de France and it clearly has mass appeal.
If we want SUP to grow then we need mass appeal events, then rather make the Stand Up World Series a proper pro-circuit (which it is) and try and get the Danny's etc to jump on there and complete the show and have some cool in-out events (like you'll most likely have this weekend in Turtle Bay) - thats awesome, but get BOP back to Doheny so everyone can (will want to) take part.
Select to expand quotePeterP said..husq2100 said..PeterP said..
Nothing is stopping any of them using a board than 12'6 - so if it was that great you'd probably have seen quite a few on them already.
The only time a 12'6 (or 14'/UNL for that matter) doesn't work that well is when you get to the pitchy part of the wave coming in. Going out I'd argue the greater speed of a longer board increases your chance of clearing the next wave......if you are running into a pitching 6-8ft wave it doesn't really matter what you are on.
The race can be won or lost in those waves but majority of the BOP race takes place outside the surfzone and I'll bet that most the pro's would choose a 14' if it was allowed - noone would want to be dropped on the long flat stretches out the back and it might catch the wave marginally earlier.
IMO they should allow 14' in the Elite race and see what happens - at least then the Naish guys might get to race the long distance as well.
Do you SUP surf much PeterP? I am no racer, I do not train. I do have a 12.6, a 10.6 mal sup and a 8.4 naish. The naish the easiest to handle over the waves, the 12.6 fastest in GOOD water (not dead white water, and gets pulled around by currents more than the other 2) but the 10.6 mal gets me out the quickest as its half way between the 2….
You don't race so I repeat: If shorter was faster then the guys would be on shorter......you can nit-pick and say that if this and that wave size, period/frequency then this or that might get you out slightly quicker on average - but there is a reason none of the 100 Elite racers were on shorter than 12'6....
Just so we are clear ...I DO NOT RACE!!!! but can you explain why that automatically means my observations are not valid?
While I DO NOT RACE, all I do is SUP surf, which means surfing waves in and PADDLING BACK OUT through them. I use all my boards (yes even the 12.6) and my observations are, IMO, its not the ideal size/length for going in and out of the SURF ZONE in various conditions....
saying that if "shorter was faster, they'd be on them" is no evidence against shorter. Considering this BOP in disccusion would have the most surf effected section of any race so far, yet it still amounted to less distance than the open water. (where longer is faster)
If you go back to the previous page, we posted very similar comments all most at the same time.
As for people turning up on shorter boards, well what about the fact you have VERY limited options for a race board sub 12.6 unless custom, there are few to no races that would suit it and if you are sponsered, your company wants you on a selling board.....also, how many racers have actually made a sub 12.6 race board and tested in in surf back to back with a 12.6?
not sure why you keep bringing 14's into every arguement about racing, but I know a few SUP racing guys (pointy end) and they dont want to race 14's in surf. My comments were simply about board size for racing in surf,not best for BOP or any other race, just the surf zone.
Select to expand quotepaul.j said..
Far out reading all this makes me feel pretty depressed!!
What do you guys do for fun? chess?
From someone who was at this event, i liked it and think it really helped push the elite side of the sport, there were people everywhere and the place was packed kind of reminded me of going to Quicky pro at snapper!! there was beach viewing and also viewing from up the top area where more tents were set up so i thought the crowd was bigger this year than in previous years just a bit more room to spread out.
On the event the racing side was super fun and 99% of people loved it and liked the new location the only down sides for me was the very bad call on the starts and some of the calls during the racing like in the girls race where some of the top girls missed a Buoy and the bad way the event handled it.
On all the videos coming out of the carnage that happens in nearly every sport and is great to watch, yes someone could get hurt but thats just life come on guys live a little bit hey!! you all sound like old men sitting in your arm chairs whinging at the guys who just want to have some fun.
Yes some people might have struggled out there but there was good water safety and good on them for giving it a go and enjoying life! I dont care if you dont want to do it but give all the people who do a break hey.
Yes BOP is PART of the future along with flatwater paddling and DW and everything else that SUP has going for it thats the joy with it and what makes it so much fun!!
On the board size thing one thing i did notice is how much harder it looked on the 14ft board coming in through the surf so not sure many would want to race a 14ft board in a BOP race like this!! well not unless i had a few spare anyway.
If you are worried about dinging your board buy a inflatable? and just have some fun, it's not all about winning and if it was only one guy would do it. I do it for fun not to make money or prove something to someone else just get a board and enjoy it!!
Siht i came nearly last and i had a ball doing so!!
Cant argue with that. Could you tell me how long each lap was and how much of that was surf?
Considering the main focus from most spectators, supracer coverage and us pussy armchair bums was the surf section, do you think there will be more surf dedicated races with less(er) open water sections?
when are we going to see a BOP style race in Oz?
Each lap was about 2km I think, only one part was in and out of the surf and from what I was told this was a pretty good day of surf there and is usally smaller.
Yes numbers were down but its not like no body turned up, I would say all the fourm hype about how bad the spot is was the main cause on why numbers were down. I like the location it had a bit of everything I also recon we have plenty of flatwater races and dont need to turn the BOP in to one.
BOP in Aus would be sic I was thinking D-bar would be perfect!!
BOP in Aus would be sic I was thinking D-bar would be perfect!! 
Not bad Jacko but I reckon come north a bit to froggies onto the rocks...Husq there has been heaps of Bop races on the Goldie.
Select to expand quotepaul.j said..
Far out reading all this makes me feel pretty depressed!!
What do you guys do for fun? chess?
From someone who was at this event, i liked it and think it really helped push the elite side of the sport, there were people everywhere and the place was packed kind of reminded me of going to Quicky pro at snapper!! there was beach viewing and also viewing from up the top area where more tents were set up so i thought the crowd was bigger this year than in previous years just a bit more room to spread out.
On the event the racing side was super fun and 99% of people loved it and liked the new location the only down sides for me was the very bad call on the starts and some of the calls during the racing like in the girls race where some of the top girls missed a Buoy and the bad way the event handled it.
On all the videos coming out of the carnage that happens in nearly every sport and is great to watch, yes someone could get hurt but thats just life come on guys live a little bit hey!! you all sound like old men sitting in your arm chairs whinging at the guys who just want to have some fun.
Yes some people might have struggled out there but there was good water safety and good on them for giving it a go and enjoying life! I dont care if you dont want to do it but give all the people who do a break hey.
Yes BOP is PART of the future along with flatwater paddling and DW and everything else that SUP has going for it thats the joy with it and what makes it so much fun!!
On the board size thing one thing i did notice is how much harder it looked on the 14ft board coming in through the surf so not sure many would want to race a 14ft board in a BOP race like this!! well not unless i had a few spare anyway.
If you are worried about dinging your board buy a inflatable? and just have some fun, it's not all about winning and if it was only one guy would do it. I do it for fun not to make money or prove something to someone else just get a board and enjoy it!!
Siht i came nearly last and i had a ball doing so!!
Here's the problem, Jacko - the people on this forum are SUP racing fanatics - we are the foundation upon which a spectator sport will be built. Or not. You can't really lecture to us or tell us what we should want to watch because if you don't have our hearts and minds and wallets, you don't have a sport. If the people on this forum are not attracted to the spectacle of BOP racing, (not participating but watching) then how are you ever going to turn it into a sport with mass armchair appeal attracting big multinational lifestyle sponsors?
I fear that a couple of the surf-only commentators on this thread have made a very compelling point in saying those conditions make the best in the world look like kooks - that's not good if that's the way people think. So rather than argue them down, listen to what they are saying. WE all appreciate that staying upright on a 12'6" board on waves of that size is an amazing accomplishment. But general sports fans have seen highlights from Teahupo'o and other big wave events - they won't get why this is so hard. That's the conundrum we/you are facing. It needs to be hard and challenging and dangerous (therefore sexy) but it also needs to look graceful and highly skilled and amazing. If the only appeal of Battle of the Paddle is for elite competitors because it really challenges them, and it does nothing for the growth of the sport otherwise, then the format won't have much of a future. There needs to be a fine line drawn between challenging conditions and you guys actually looking good.
As for the Kai vs Connor situation - it's clearly all Kai's fault. No just kidding, you knew I would say that. Actually, I think everyone agrees that their behaviour was unsporting, but at the same time, you have to admit, this extra spice is great for the sport. It's like what's happening in Formula 1 right now - we all appreciate that Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are part of a team and shouldn't be driving each other off the road. But secretly, we hope it happens and we don't want to see enforced team rules to stop them from racing each other. No point wringing our hands and asking "Won't someone think of the children?" because, well, Connor and Kai ARE the children.
And then you've got the issue of safety. No-one wants to see Kai, Connor or anyone else get seriously hurt. But at the same time, if you sanitise the event, there is no appeal. Again, the analogy of Formula 1 is relevant. Jules Bianchi is fighting for his life in hospital right now and everyone is devastated by that. But if you set too many rules and conditions to make everything completely safe in Formula 1, you would remove the spectacle. Likewise BOP. It's another conundrum.
At the end of the day, I think we can all agree the biggest problem of all is why the f--- Rainbow Sandals keep being such tight arses in refusing to provide a live video feed. Forget all these other issues about inept decisions on starting times and poor communication on buoy/course changes and refusal to act on sportsmanship matters. The single biggest complaint any of us has is we didn't get to see it all. We're like the old man in the diner complaining about the terrible tasting food... and how small the portions are.
Yes I agree, BOP needs a live feed, its crazy that it doesnt.
The stand up world series finals this wkend is live! So make sure you all tune in. It will be another event with big size surf too. Forecast is for 10ft plus here at turtle bay. It will make salt creek look like a walk in the park.
Enjoy the carnage 
X angie
Select to expand quotePiros said...
BOP in Aus would be sic I was thinking D-bar would be perfect!!
Not bad Jacko but I reckon come north a bit to froggies onto the rocks...Husq there has been heaps of Bop races on the Goldie.
Yeah I went in one a couple years ago. But other than club or state title's im not seeing many.
Ask people why they love motor sport? Most will say they admire the skill of the drivers and second a very close second is they all love a good old crash.Not the level where people are injured tho!
You would hope the footage shown will go world wide,because that carnage is sure to put bums on seats.I enjoy watching these big out of control boards come in on a big day,for both admire the skill and a good old laugh at the carnage.That footage was unreal!
Select to expand quotePTWoody said..paul.j said..
Far out reading all this makes me feel pretty depressed!!
What do you guys do for fun? chess?
From someone who was at this event, i liked it and think it really helped push the elite side of the sport, there were people everywhere and the place was packed kind of reminded me of going to Quicky pro at snapper!! there was beach viewing and also viewing from up the top area where more tents were set up so i thought the crowd was bigger this year than in previous years just a bit more room to spread out.
On the event the racing side was super fun and 99% of people loved it and liked the new location the only down sides for me was the very bad call on the starts and some of the calls during the racing like in the girls race where some of the top girls missed a Buoy and the bad way the event handled it.
On all the videos coming out of the carnage that happens in nearly every sport and is great to watch, yes someone could get hurt but thats just life come on guys live a little bit hey!! you all sound like old men sitting in your arm chairs whinging at the guys who just want to have some fun.
Yes some people might have struggled out there but there was good water safety and good on them for giving it a go and enjoying life! I dont care if you dont want to do it but give all the people who do a break hey.
Yes BOP is PART of the future along with flatwater paddling and DW and everything else that SUP has going for it thats the joy with it and what makes it so much fun!!
On the board size thing one thing i did notice is how much harder it looked on the 14ft board coming in through the surf so not sure many would want to race a 14ft board in a BOP race like this!! well not unless i had a few spare anyway.
If you are worried about dinging your board buy a inflatable? and just have some fun, it's not all about winning and if it was only one guy would do it. I do it for fun not to make money or prove something to someone else just get a board and enjoy it!!
Siht i came nearly last and i had a ball doing so!!
Here's the problem, Jacko - the people on this forum are SUP racing fanatics - we are the foundation upon which a spectator sport will be built. Or not. You can't really lecture to us or tell us what we should want to watch because if you don't have our hearts and minds and wallets, you don't have a sport. If the people on this forum are not attracted to the spectacle of BOP racing, (not participating but watching) then how are you ever going to turn it into a sport with mass armchair appeal attracting big multinational lifestyle sponsors?
I fear that a couple of the surf-only commentators on this thread have made a very compelling point in saying those conditions make the best in the world look like kooks - that's not good if that's the way people think. So rather than argue them down, listen to what they are saying. WE all appreciate that staying upright on a 12'6" board on waves of that size is an amazing accomplishment. But general sports fans have seen highlights from Teahupo'o and other big wave events - they won't get why this is so hard. That's the conundrum we/you are facing. It needs to be hard and challenging and dangerous (therefore sexy) but it also needs to look graceful and highly skilled and amazing. If the only appeal of Battle of the Paddle is for elite competitors because it really challenges them, and it does nothing for the growth of the sport otherwise, then the format won't have much of a future. There needs to be a fine line drawn between challenging conditions and you guys actually looking good.
As for the Kai vs Connor situation - it's clearly all Kai's fault. No just kidding, you knew I would say that. Actually, I think everyone agrees that their behaviour was unsporting, but at the same time, you have to admit, this extra spice is great for the sport. It's like what's happening in Formula 1 right now - we all appreciate that Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are part of a team and shouldn't be driving each other off the road. But secretly, we hope it happens and we don't want to see enforced team rules to stop them from racing each other. No point wringing our hands and asking "Won't someone think of the children?" because, well, Connor and Kai ARE the children.
And then you've got the issue of safety. No-one wants to see Kai, Connor or anyone else get seriously hurt. But at the same time, if you sanitise the event, there is no appeal. Again, the analogy of Formula 1 is relevant. Jules Bianchi is fighting for his life in hospital right now and everyone is devastated by that. But if you set too many rules and conditions to make everything completely safe in Formula 1, you would remove the spectacle. Likewise BOP. It's another conundrum.
At the end of the day, I think we can all agree the biggest problem of all is why the f--- Rainbow Sandals keep being such tight arses in refusing to provide a live video feed. Forget all these other issues about inept decisions on starting times and poor communication on buoy/course changes and refusal to act on sportsmanship matters. The single biggest complaint any of us has is we didn't get to see it all. We're like the old man in the diner complaining about the terrible tasting food... and how small the portions are.
I think if you talk to more than just post on this forum you would find that the BOP was a great event with only a few small issues such as starts and stuff, Alot of surfers were very impressed with what was going on and at the elite level they were doing a good job with the waves. How boring would it be if no one ever feel of and we just paddled around in a big circle holding hands?
No worries you don't want to do a BOP race in the surf and are scared of those conditions but there were 500 people who loved it yes some were a little over there head in the conditions but after the race they all loved it!!
The people on this forum not all but a few are having a very big say in something they have no interest in as they have stated they would not do a race like this, all you are trying to do is scare people when really all we are doing is taking some big boards out in the surf and having fun, not racing cars at 200kms a hour but paddling at around 9km through some mid size waves now that sounds super dangerous doesn't it? Yes some one could get hurt we all can see that just as some one could fall and hit there head on their board as they are getting on to it. How many bike racing events do you see where they have huge pile ups? now why dont they just make everyone race by them selfs so this does not happen? because that would be boring!!
Rules will come in as time goes by and thats just the nature of sport but lets not suck the fun out of it just because you dont want to do it or deem it to dangerous for you and if it is that sweet and that why there is 100's of flatwater events around the world just for that reason.
Now instead of bitching about all the negatives lets also talk about some of the great things that have come out of this event as well, things like Jake taking it to the best in the world and his brother who Jaden who sat in 4th for the whole race only to end up 10th right at the end. As far as i know this is the first time brothers have evey finished in the top 10? in a huge event.
Ok of to go surfing before the swell gets massive here in Hawaii.
Jacko
Totally agree with jacko on that one
I was there, that's the best ever SUP race I have ever seen period.
3 Days before the race I was not convinced at all that salt creek was a good idea as I was cautious to train on the spot.
But after watching the elite race from the beach I am totally converted
The level of the paddlers is improving very quickly. Some years ago only 10 guys would have made it, now the level density of the paddlers entering the race is fantastic, everybody out there is real good. Plenty of under 20's doing unreal and there will be more and more every year.
All these young fantastic paddlers I spoke to are looking forward for events like this, it makes them dream and they can't wait to come back next year.
Everything I read on this thread come from older guys like me.
But you know what, that event made me realise that I just have to get better and go out there more often with my 12'6 when it's rough.
So let these kids show their talent when they can and if you think they look like kooks when they fall there is something seriously wrong I think.
Just tell me what are you watching on TV? real footy or touch? 
Agree mostly with Jacko and Al. The conditions looked unreal fun and it would have been great to race regardless of where you finished - everyone would have finished with a story to share over a cold beer. The good thing about the race scene is that there are many formats that are emerging all the time and paddlers can "choose their own adventure" based on what they enjoy and what ability level they might be at. Let the BOP take its place where the surf can challenge everyone and dishout some bumps and bruises.
Another perspective worth considering is that conditions like this give the Joe's some chance at beating the Pro's. I see it at the Clubby Aussies where they get around 6-8,000 competitors each year making it one of the largest participated single sporting events on the globe. 90% of them are not Trevor Hendy's or Karla Gilberts but they know that with some surf skills and a bit of luck they are half a chance of beating a few of the more high profile competitors (including my old man who rows in an over 70 boat crew and has spent much of the last 10 years having fun getting sh#t mixed with his mates at Kurrawa). This "luck of the surf" is what helps drive the participation of us Joe's that do not sit amongst the 20 or so Pro's. We saw this at the BOP where some of the higher profile paddlers finished a bit lower down the list than what might have been the case in less challenging conditions. On a different day the same guys and gals may be contenders at the pointy end.
Also I'm not totaly comfort able with concept of developing SUP racing with the objective of cracking main stream media interest or even mega participation levels. Let the sport grow a bit more organically and if that comes then so be it.
my 2 cents worth, Herb
It was super fun. It was easy to park if you showed up at a decent time. The hill was no big deal, even carrying my non carbon 14 up it after the race. Lunch was tasty. People were friendly and helpful.
I admit I was a bit freaked on Saturday morning but I got some great advise from Mike Baker at Riviera and had a super fun race. Same goes for the long race. Just a good time all around.
There were some big sets but it was not always like the videos show. Most people made it through with nothing more than a quick swim.
And maybe I am blind but I only saw 2 broken boards. Way more fun to make it sound out of control.
The elite races were awesome to watch. And there was some truly masterful wave riding in the open and elite races.
Hope it is at Salt Creek again next year. Learned a ton. Will be way more ready next year.
well, I don't want to see bop racing in lanes or anything.
i'm cautious and well suppose its got something to do with the building industry I work in.
I take risks that could take me out all day long.
I've also seen some terrible things on building sites that have come from things you wouldn't see as possible.
I see risks that aren't needed in present bop style races
I still think things could be improved. the course setups, starts, maybe vests and helmets maybe, but nothing changes.
I just don't want something 'should' have been done when its to late.
however the likes of jacko and a lot of others don't see anything needs to be done so i'll just butt out of bop debates from now on.let the sport be the rodeo clowns of the paddling world
We're all entitled to our opinions and its part of the fun of the forum when we see everyone share their own views. Dont keep them to your self as it wont be as interesting and there is the odd nugget of gold in there somewhere old timer.Select to expand quotelaceys lane said..
well, I don't want to see bop racing in lanes or anything.
i'm cautious and well suppose its got something to do with the building industry I work in.
I take risks that could take me out all day long.
I've also seen some terrible things on building sites that have come from things you wouldn't see as possible.
I see risks that aren't needed in present bop style races
I still think things could be improved. the course setups, starts, maybe vests and helmets maybe, but nothing changes.
I just don't want something 'should' have been done when its to late.
however the likes of jacko and a lot of others don't see anything needs to be done so i'll just butt out of bop debates from now on.let the sport be the rodeo clowns of the paddling world
Select to expand quoteMacaha said..Select to expand quote
Ask people why they love motor sport? Most will say they admire the skill of the drivers and second a very close second is they all love a good old crash.Not the level where people are injured tho!
You would hope the footage shown will go world wide,because that carnage is sure to put bums on seats.I enjoy watching these big out of control boards come in on a big day,for both admire the skill and a good old laugh at the carnage.That footage was unreal!
Robin Williams put it best in the first few seconds of this vid.... the rest could probably be applied to Kai vs Connor
Swell for you elites, who aren't paying for your own boards... Not so swell for: the spectators as the venue access sucks and there was no place to demo; the women got hammered mercilessly, doubt too many are super stoked; an open field that was half the size of last year; and the kids were not allowed to race at all, I guess that's not important to you 'it's all about me elites'. I'm a SoCal local and previous BOPs were all about fun for everyone. I guess pushing the limits is cool, but for most it's not at all what they are looking for. This event was always about fun for everyone until this year and one of the main reasons I got interested in paddling race boards. Growing the sport has taken a back seat to the spectacle of carnage. As ambassadors of the sport (elite SUP athletes), you need to take a hard look at embracing a venue for the BOP that's Doheny friendly and letting the majority of paddlers to have a little fun. If you want your own private party, swell, I won't be attending.
Kids did race not all but older kids and they did some fun beach stuff with the younger kids.
There are a 1000 events a year where you can demo boards where they are in flatwater if you really want to demo a board just go to your local shop and ask to demo some boards its that easy and can be done year round.
Bummer you didn't have fun but plenty of other NON elites I talked to seemed to enjoy themselves, and I liked walking around all the stands at the event but agree some better placement could be worked on to increase traffic flow to a few that were out of the way a bit.
I agree the guy starting the races needs to learn how to start a race as they picked the worse time every time but you know just because he blows the horn does not mean you have to go you can always wait for the set to pass and then paddle out?
Yes I would say alot of people got dings not that I seen to many but I also remember alot of people getting dings at every BOP so if thats a major reason for not doing this race then I doubt you would do it no matter where its held.
I thought it was a fun event and most people enjoyed themselves the open race still looked like fun and was easier to watch beening able to stand up on the hill where you could see the whole race which was great I thought.
crap event , only a matter of time before there is a death , someone or multiple getting smacked on the head by loose board .
Yes everyone is going to start dieing, this is the most dangerous sport in the world why dont we wrap everyone in bubble wrap and have a mandatory 10 m buffer between racers.
Seriously if your worried about dieing in this high speed dangerous sport dont race go do mountain biking or motor sports or any other sport they are much safer.
Stop trying to drain the fun and excitement out of everything. All sports have risks, thats what makes them sports and enjoyable.......
Wow!! I'm a bit surprised and shocked at all the negative opinions to this. But let's not forget that that's all they are; OPINIONS and I suppose everyone is entitled to theirs, but let's not get upset if others don't agree.
I'm no elite paddler and I've only ever done one BOP style race(Paddle to Battle MS) and I loved it!! Not as many people as the big race but still difficult conditions. Everyone that did it agreed it was tough but heaps of fun.
I have often had to negotiate a large shorey on a 14 after a DW paddle. It's exhiliarating catching a solid wave on a race board and surfing it in!!!
Some people CHOSE not to do it on the day others CHOSE to do it.
Who are we to say that their choice is right or wrong?
I think people need to lighten up and get off their soapboxes. Unless I've missed something I've only seen the largely negative comments from people who freely admit they have never and never will do such a race.
Its a bit like your favourite band changing their music style.
The BOP had a following based on a certain style and format in a relatively safe location. Change that and you are going to disappoint people.
There is room for both - inclusive style BOP races and those with carnage for the more experienced paddlers.
I am all for having a go and taking risks, I am one of the biggest out there, but we watched Saxon Bird disappear at that SLS carnival and I can tell you you never want to go there at any event. It destroys lives and can destroy sports trying to get on their feet. I love a bit of carnage but when I saw those rocks popping their heads up I'm thinking wow - that is another level.
On a positive note did anyone notice how well a lot of the Aussies did! Jayden's performance was exceptional. Very unlucky
Far out no one forced the competitors to compete. Ultimately the numbers will decide the venue outcome. But id say everyone who competed in those conditions would be stoked they could. As far as dangerous sports go sup is way down the list. How many parents let their kids play rugby league or aussie rules or ride motorbikes? These are far more dangerous than sup. AA yeah Jaydens performance was outstanding considering has only done a few races , if he hadn't of cramped up he would have been top four. Spoke to him yesterday and he said he just had to stop and wait for the cramps to go. I think him and Jake are going to have a great Brotherly rivalry over the next few years
Select to expand quoteteatrea said..
Far out no one forced the competitors to compete. Ultimately the numbers will decide the venue outcome. But id say everyone who competed in those conditions would be stoked they could. As far as dangerous sports go sup is way down the list. How many parents let their kids play rugby league or aussie rules or ride motorbikes? These are far more dangerous than sup. AA yeah Jaydens performance was outstanding considering has only done a few races , if he hadn't of cramped up he would have been top four. Spoke to him yesterday and he said he just had to stop and wait for the cramps to go. I think him and Jake are going to have a great Brotherly rivalry over the next few years
G'day Teatrea yep Jayden is a weapon and a nice young kid. The reason why Jayden cramped up would just a couple off things
1. putting to much salt on his vegetables.
2. Too much fast food as young blokes eat s##t food with too much processed salt.
3. Not eating enough vegetables.
You get enough salt out of your vegetables so I would say to Jayden eat your vegetables young man for lunch and dinner. Bananas are best for breakfast. I have not used salt for like 35 years on my vegetables and I rarely eat fast food, I'd have to be desperate. The last time I had a major cramp was way back then 35 years ago. So eat all your vegetables and you will never cramp up again.
