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Connor Baxter Recaps His Win At The 2015 St'Ives Bay Celtic Cup

Connor Baxter, keeping warm in the chilly conditions of the St'Ives Celtic Cup. | Photo: Starboard UK Connor Baxter, keeping warm in the chilly conditions of the St'Ives Celtic Cup. | Photo: Starboard UK

CARBIS BAY, St Ives - The 2015 St'Ives Bay Celtic Cup was not only a hard race, but it was freezing cold - especially being from Hawaii. The conditions were very challenging with howling winds and overcast skies. It was a three-lap course that was about 4k each lap.

It started off with a short upwind - then nice little downwind - then a brutal upwind back up to the top. I looked at my competition and lined up next to them for the beach start. As I waited for the start of the race - being freezing cold - all I could think about was that I had to paddle hard enough to keep warm. So when the horn blew I sprinted down the beach into that cold water and jumped straight to my feet. I started off super hard to make sure I got out of the bad water and into the clean water.

Fernando Stalla turned the first buoy in first - then I did and we headed upwind to the next buoy. I made a nice quick turn at the second buoy and started paddling with the wind and bumps. I slowly started to pull away from the group and made my way to the next buoy. When I got there I turned the buoy and had a nice cold blast of wind straight into my face. It was only the first lap so I didn't go all out upwind, which allowed the group of four guys to catch up to me. I knew I would be able to make a gap again on the downwind part of the race. We all worked together to the upwind buoy and once we got there I did the same thing and sprinted right away and slowly made a gap on the group and this time I wasn't going to let anyone catch back up to me, so I kept the hammer down and for the second lap I was able to just stay in front of the group.

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Pictured (left) Connor gaining a nice lead on his fellow racers. | Photo via: Euro SUP Tour Facebook | (right) Connor coming in for the win. | Photo: Starboard SUP UK

I knew I had to make it in first around the buoy for the next downwind leg, so I paddled hard and turned the buoy still in front with a small led. I tried to catch every little bump and kept up the hard paddling to the next buoy. I turned the second to last buoy and started grinding upwind to the last buoy for the win. I managed to stay in front, but they had a good pace and caught up a lot. I luckily stayed in the first place spot and ran up the beach with my numb feet and legs - in first place.

I was joined on the podium by my fellow Starboard teammate who won the women's event - Fiona Wylde.

I want to thank my sponsors for all their support – Starboard, Discovery Land Company, Dakine, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Rainbow Sandals, Futures Fins, Hammer Nutrition, GoPro, Waterman’s Sunscreen, OnIt Pro and Hi-Tech Sports. Also a big Mahalo to all the event organizers and all the volunteers. Really great job for their inaugural event. Everyone had a good time.

To watch a recap from the St'Ives Celtic Bay Cup, watch the video below.

To see more news for the 2015 Euro SUP Tour, click here.

Last modified onFriday, 12 June 2015 11:22
Connor Baxter

Maui, Hawaii - Connor Baxter is a highly accomplished stand up paddle racer and is one of the best in the world. His unique paddling technique is now named after him – “The Connor Baxter Choke Stroke” and people worldwide have adapted to his style of paddling. Connor was born on the island of Maui and raised on the water. When competing in a race, chances are you will see Connor finish on the podium. 

Website: connorbaxter.com/ Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.