Paddleboards News
World’s Fastest Downwinder to Return to Australia
Nov
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PERTH, Western Australia – Final preparations are underway for Australia’s most prestigious Stand Up Paddle (SUP) race and the word’s fastest downwinder, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut. The seventh edition of the 24-kilometre Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut attracts some of the world’s best with competitors from Japan, Singapore, New Caledonia, Switzerland, Ireland and across Australia. Two-thirds of the field are from outside of the metropolitan area and more than half are from outside of Western Australia.
The richest prize purse in Australia for a SUP event, competitors can win a share of over $20,000. King of the Cut Chairman Greg Kerr said the event would again offer equal prize money for male and female competitors.
“We introduced equal prize money last year and were the first major international Stand Up Paddle event in Australia to do so. It’s fair and it makes sense,” Kerr said.
Held along the beautiful Peel Coast where the famed, powerful and consistent West Coast sea breeze blows perfect, uninterrupted runners like an endless conveyor belt, pushing competitors along reaching speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour. The wind, known as the “Fremantle Doctor”, makes this a fast event a favorite with SUP racers.
Competing for world tour points or state representation, King of the Cut competitors will start at The Dawesville Cut at Port Boulevard and finish at Secret Harbour. The King or Queen of the Cut title will be awarded to the first paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age.
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Left: Angie Jackson, Right: James Casey | Photos Courtesy: King of the Cut
In it’s seventh year, the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut has some exciting additions and changes:
- The Half Cut – a shorter 10km race. This event will be held on the same day as the main race. The Oceanside run is the first half of the famous KotC run, fantastic medium to large runners propelling you down the Peel Coast finishing in Mandurah.
- The Express Two Storey Living Djeridjinap Run – Estuary Downwind Fun Run on Friday night for all levels. Fantastic way to learn to Downwind in a sheltered environment with friendly mentors. Proudly supporting www.oceanheroes.com.au
- The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut Pro Class is now a separate entry class – this year sees the Pro Class (Male & Female) as a separate division which brings the event in line with all the major prize money events in the world. To be eligible for prize money you need to enter the Pro Class division.
- New Prone Paddle Board Class – This year’s event is open to Prone Paddle Boards.
- Foiling Class – Is now an official division for the 2018 KotC. Whilst this division won’t compete the Open Prize money (or the line honors KotC trophy), Enviroplumb has once again kindly put up a $500 prize for 1st Foiling Board across the line.
- Cut Training Run & Sundowner During the Week – Mid week there will be a Cut Training run with a Sundowner catch up – TBA
- Outriggers – OC1 & V1 classes are now recognized for the 2018 KotC and Half Cut
- KotC Presentations and Stoke Party – this year the presentations and Stoke Party will be held in Central Mandurah at Oceanic Bar and Grill on Saturday night.
Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut race start 2017. | Photo: Neng Chunthanom
Prize Money
Prize money is the same for male and female competitors including the depth, dependant on number of entrants. First prize is $4,500, second prize is $2,200 and third prize is $1,500, potentially fourth prize is $1000 and fifth prize is $750. The first foil to cross the finish line wins $500. This brings the total prize pool to $20,400 making it the largest prize purse for an SUP event in the country.
The Stand Up Surf Shop King will take place on Saturday 1 December 2018. For further information, visit the event website HERE.
To find an event near your check out the Supconnect Events Calendar.
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