Shock Result in the 2015 NSW SUP Championships

 

 

The 2015 NSW State Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) Championship was recently held at Narrawallee Beach.  It was organised by Surfing NSW and sponsored locally by Ocean & Earth and the Shoalhaven Council. The 2015 Championships attracted a record entry of male and female athletes, including those who have competed on the world circuit. The titles included SUP board surfing and a 10 to 15 km marathon paddle event. Despite the late withdrawal of  by  last year’s title holder, Kai Bates of Mollymook, the local area was still very strongly represented by the likes of Robbie and Simone Scott.

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Robbie Scott drew a hot field in heat 3 and performed admirably among some of the best paddlers in the world to just fall short in a high scoring round.

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Simone – shock of the tournament: Local punters aware of her sporting prowess, backed her into favouritism for the open women’s title.

After easily progressing through the heats, Simone lined up for the quarter finals with conditions deteriorating.

Following a strong start, the unforgiving surf began to play havoc with the lead group knocking Simone back toward the rear of the field. Displaying the character of a champion, Simone paddled her heart out to begin passing some of tail-enders one by one but the finish line was just too close.

The young reporter doing the story for the Mollymook News tactfully asked if she had been ‘nobbled’ when jostling for the lead and getting knocked back to near last? Of quiet disposition, a humble and exhausted Simone, ever so gracious, responded in her normal discreet manner; “I was beaten by a better person on the day”.

Out of character with the young reporter, he persisted with his questions and raised the sensitive topic about being sufficiently competitive. The petite young competitor acknowledged that its just not part of her character to be competitive and participates for enjoyment.

He then inquired into her sedentary lifestyle and suggested if she exercised more it may help. Gracious at all times, she thanked the young reporter for his kind words and encouragement, then excused herself.

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Click on link: YouTube video clip of the Narrawallee SUP Championships.   Image credits: Robbie, Simone & Surfing NSW.    Click on images to enlarge

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