SUP Race Series in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Yas Marina Sup Race 2011 is the 1st of seven races for the national sup championship of the UAE SUP LEAGUE. The race took place at the marina of the Abu Dhabi Yas Island Formula One Race Track. Taimeir, the race director, recounts the race.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – A 6km race with an incredible scenery. The track was set up inside the Yas Marina and each lap ran 1,250 meters (.7 miles) long. Paddlers had to go around four laps, totaling 5km (3.1 mi). The course was very technical, with 6 wide angle turns of more than 150 degrees and some of them 180 degrees, demanding quite a bit of skill from the racers. In addition to technical, it was quite fast and physically demanding. Average 12 knots winds with 16 knots gusts added all the more to the challenging conditions of the race. (See all photos from race.)

And there was an impressive international field of stand up paddlers on hand, counting twenty competitors total and from myriad countries, including Egypt, Poland, US, France, Lebanon, Sri-Lanka, Mauritius, India, UAE, and Australia. Racers were equipped with several Pau Hana stand up paddle boards, including the Pau Hana Crossfit, a board designed for fitness exercises and racing. Also in the lineup, and claiming third place in the podium, was a Suplove board, with the teamrider proudly wearing his Suplove hat.

The start was really nice, for the head winds had all racers giving their all to play through the rough course. These conditions quickly sorted the field, setting apart the physically trained from the rest of the pack. Just a few moments into the race and the paddlers started getting scattered, with the top three male competitors promptly solidifying their positions. And despite of the demanding conditions, very few gave up. All in all, that was a very difficult race. (Contact Race Director.)

– Taimeir Abdelrazek, Race Director

 

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