The Namotu World Paddle Challenge will not only be one of the most progressive and dynamic racing events in the history of the sport, featuring both long distance and surf sprint formats, but will also be an exciting celebration of the growth and diversity of Stand Up Paddling, one of the world's fastest growing sports. What's more, the backdrop of the paradise that is Fiji will provide athletes and visitors alike with an unforgettable experience.
Saturday, November 19th
Connor Baxter battles to the end here at the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific
In a dramatic close to the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific, a final tie break was held to decide the final overall results for the event for both 1st and 3rd places.
After a fiercely fought race around the island of Namotu, combining distance paddling with in and out through the surf components, Connor Baxter just edged ahead of Kai Lenny in a duel that went back and forth through the whole race and created a tension filled close to the event.
In the last 30 yards, Connor and Kai's boards were touching as they battled to get the position for the final run up the beach - despite Kai's best efforts, it was to be Connor's day, as he powered the last few feet to victory here in Fiji. Congratulations to this young Champion!
An on form Slater Trout wins final Race around Namotu
An on form Slater Trout puts together a phenomenal performance for the last race of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific, as he bides his time through the first half, only to power into contention for an impressive finish.
As a result, Slater secures 3rd place at the inaugural Namotu World Paddle Challenge, stop 1 on the 2012 Stand Up World Series. Congratulations on a great performance to Slater. In his words:
"It has been an amazing week here in Fiji: definitely extremely demanding and physically grueling, but I have had a wonderful time on Namotu and can't wait to come back"
Jake Jensen from Australia: a bright star for the future
Jake Jensen from Australia proved this week that he is a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. Challenging the best of the best and going back and forth with the lead on the final stretch of the Race to Namotu with Slater Trout, Jake also finished in an impressive 4th place in the long distance race from Natadola Beach to Namotu.
Congratulations to Jake for his 4th place overall finish at the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific.
Final Standings for the Namotu World Paddle Challenge
So the final overall results for the Namotu World Paddle Challenge are as follows:
Connor Baxter (HI)
Kai Lenny (HI)
Slater Trout (US/HI)
Jake Jensen (Australia)
Noa Ginella (HI)
Zane Schweitzer (HI)
Kai Lenny is awarded Fiji Tourism 'move of the week'
The Namotu World Paddle Challenge saw a few days of small surf and an excited and stellar crew on hand to make the most of the conditions.
After a series of surf sessions at Cloudbreak, Wilkes and Despo's, Kai Lenny is awarded the Fiji Tourism 'Move of the Week' award, despite a couple of impressive manoeuvres by Zane Schweitzer throughout the week, who was a very close runner up. Here we see Kai taking to the air at Wilkes.
The Vonu Cup sees teams swim, prone paddle and SUP
In an exciting final showdown for the assembled athletes teams were:
Maui 1: Slater Trout & Kai Lenny
Maui 2: Connor Baxter & Zane Schweitzer
HI: Noa Ginella & Tristan Boxford
Australia 1: Jake Jensen & Andrew Edhouse
Australia 2: Phil & Tony Philp
Fiji: Isei & Ulai
Women: Annabel Anderson & Jennifer Trout
In the end, Team Maui 1 stormed to victory, with Slater and Kai ending a great performance here on Namotu in style!
Namotu Staff Race witnesses intense competition and fun
A total of 6 teams made up of the Namotu Staff Relay event, as the island went wild in a short course showdown to remember. Amidst the intensity of the competition and the Fijians insatiable enthusiasm, Team Namotu 1 ended up winning, featuring:
Sereana
Tom
Iron Phil
Weis
Nagasau
It was a wonderful way to close the Namotu World Paddle Challenge as the seed has been sown here in Fiji for a strong Fijian participation in the 2012 edition of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge....Bula from Fiji!
Monday, November 13th
Connor Baxter Wins Long Distance Event
18 year old Connor Baxter puts on a legendary performance here in Fiji to win the epic long distance from Natadola Beach to Namotu Island ahead of a stellar fleet of athletes. Taking an early lead out of the gate, Connor navigated his way successfuly down the 22 mile course to win the first leg of the first stop on the 2012 Stand Up World Series. In Connor's words:
"The course was long and hard, but definitely worth it. Super stoked on the win and thank you to Starboard for their support and Namotu Island for their incredible welcome."
Long Distance Results
3:18:45 - Connor Baxter (HI)
3:26:16 - Kai Lenny (HI)
3:29:55 - Jeremy Stephenson (NZ)
3:31:16 - Jake Jensen (AUS)
3:32:13 - Noa Ginella (HI)
3:36:05 - Slater Trout (US)
3:44:46 - Andy Davies (AUS)
3:45:18 - Zane Schweitzer (HI)
3:45:19 - Greg Barfoot (NZ)
3:59:22 - Annabel Anderson (NZ)
4:13:08 - Shane Murrell (NZ)
4:43:28 - T.J Gulizia (US)
DNF - Phil Lockman (AUS)
DNF - Tom Pace (US)
Kai Lenny once again proves his worth ahead of elite field
2 x Stand Up Paddlesurfing World Champion Kai Lenny once again proves that his expertise is not limited to surfing, with a phenomenal performance in the challenging 22 mile race. Chasing fellow Mauian Connor from the outset, Kai solidified his second place, but could not catch Baxter. In Lenny's words:
"That was the longest paddle that I have ever done in my life - it was gruelling but a great experience and I am stoked for Connor, he is such an amazing paddler and reads the ocean so well"
New Zealand's Jeremy Stephenson steps up close to home
Proving that age and experience certainly plays a strong role in challenging distance paddle races such as this, Jeremy Stephenson gets the best of young Australian Jake Jensen, Oahu's Noa Ginella and Maui resident Slater Trout to take 3rd place, and then the others, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
Congratulations to all the paddlers for an incredible race that has been a great first step for the Stand Up World Series in a race that was verging on an endurance race of the likes of the Moloka'i to Oahu, but with all paddlers racing on a 12'6.
Annabel Anderson represents women paddlers worldwide
Annabel Anderson finished in a phenonenal 10th place overall and 1st and only woman in an incredibly fast time. Annabel was excited to represent the women here in Fiji, and added to Kai and Connor's comments on the extreme nature of the race that challenged both physical and mental limits of the athletes. What a great performance from this leading female athlete from New Zealand.
Fiji doesn't disappoint, with beauty, culture and action
The Fijian welcome has long been famous the world over, and it has not failed to disappoint this time for the Namotu World Paddle Challenge, presented by Air Pacific.
From the flight in on Air Pacific, the welcome at the InterContinental at the Opening Ceremony and kids clinic to the unsurpassed hopitality of Namotu Island, Fiji has provided an unforgettable experience for the attending international athletes, rivaled only by the beaty that surrounds us.
A traditional Kava Ceremony opened proceedings, followed by Vonu beers, pupus and a traditional danse that successfully laid the foundations for this groundbreaking event in Fiji.
The Fijian kids steal the show at the youth clinic
The Fijian kids from the local village steal the show at the youth clinic held on the beautiful Natadola Beach, in front of the InterContinental Resort.
The infectious smiles and energy brought by these kids was like nowhere else, as the Champion paddlers took the kids out for an unforgettable experience, both for the kids and the athletes.
Wednesday, November 16th
Kai Lenny wins the Surf Slalom at Namotu Island
19 year old, 2 x Stand Up Paddlesurfing World Champion and second place finisher in the Long distance, Kai Lenny storms to victory at the challenging Surf Slalom race of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji, presented by Air Pacific.
In a nail biting finish, Kai found the wave he needed to overtake Long Distance Champion Connor Baxter and secure victory on the all important last leg of the course.
"That was challenging and I was lucky to find the right waves. I could feel Connor breathing down my neck on the race to the finish as I know how fast he can catch up."
Connor Baxter leads through the first half of the course
Off the start and through the first half of the course, Connor Baxter found the right line and lead the star studded final. Howver a few critical mistakes on the 2nd leg allowed Kai Lenny and Zane Schweitzer to catch up in the creation of an exciting 3rd and final leg battle that kept the audience at the edge of their seats.
North Shore Paddle Challenge Sprint Champion Zane Schweitzer digs deep to secure third
In an impressive display of surf riding and swell negotiation, North Shore Paddle Challenge Champion Zane Schweitzer battles it out with Kai and Connor for a well earned 3rd place.
In the familiar heat elimination format, athletes were pushed to their limits on a course that required stamina, surf riding skills, strategy and extreme balance and power to punch through the surf on the way out.
Slater Trout puts on another great performance in Fiji
Slater Trout puts together another great performance here in Fiji to finish in 4th place, with a memorable battle with Kai Lenny in their first round heat, and a solid performance from start to finish.
Also with a notable performance on this surf slalom course, much like the long distance, was North Shore stand out, Noa Ginella from Oahu. Clearly the Hawaiian contingent were revelling in some of the most challenging surf conditions imaginable for the Stand Up World Series Sprint Course.
Current Standings at the Namotu World Paddle Challenge
So the current standings at the Namotu World Paddle Challenge FIji, presented by Air Pacific are that Maui Boys Connor Baxter and Kai Lenny are in equal first, each with a 1st and 2nd place finish. It will now all come down to a last duel between the 2 Champions that will be announced tomorrow and contested Friday morning, to decide the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Champion for 2011, so stay tuned...
In 3rd equal are Australian Jake Jenson who secured a 6th place finish today in the sprints to complement his 4th place finish in the long distance, Slater Trout with a 6th and 4th respectively, and Noa Ginella with two 5th places for both long distance and sprint.
Overall Women Champion is Annabel Anderson, while leading masters athlete is none other than Namotu regular from Australia, Iron Phil.
Tuesday's lay day sees athletes light it up at Cloudbreak
Despite the small surf, athletes made the most of what was on offer at the World Famous surf spot of Cloudbreak, putting on an impressive display of performance Stand Up Paddlesurfing.
Here Zane Schweitzer takes to the air in preparation for the Fiji Tourism Cloudbreak Surf Exhibition to take place tomorrow. The surf exhibition will feature all of the usual candidates, such as 2 x World Champion Kai Lenny and Contenders Noa Ginella, Slater Trout and Connor Baxter, but also, our host and legend, Dave Kalama, so stay tuned...
Still to come at the 1st stop of the Stand Up World Series
Still to come at the first stop of the 2012 Stand Up World Series:
Fiji Tourism Cloudbreak Surf Exhibition
The Kai and Connor duel
The Vonu Waterman's Cup (a multi-discipline showdown testing athletes' complete range of skills)
Team Relays
So stay tuned for the highlights from the free surf and sprint racing and check out the highlights now online for the liong distance race of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific:
New partnership announced with SUP magazine
Still to come at the first stop of the 2012 Stand Up World Series:
SUP Magazine has now become the Official publication of the Stand Up World Racing Series and Surfing World Tour. SUP Magazine will be keeping you up to date with the latest news, information and highlights fromt he Stand Up World Tour and Series both online at www.supthemag.com and in print.
The Partnership will also see Grindtv / Supthemag as a portal for future webcasts, so stay tuned to www.standupworldtour.com. www.standupworldseries.com and www.supthemag.com for the latest news and information on both the Surfing and Racing World Championship Tours.
Monday, November 13th
Connor Baxter Wins Long Distance Event
18 year old Connor Baxter puts on a legendary performance here in Fiji to win the epic long distance from Natadola Beach to Namotu Island ahead of a stellar fleet of athletes. Taking an early lead out of the gate, Connor navigated his way successfuly down the 22 mile course to win the first leg of the first stop on the 2012 Stand Up World Series. In Connor's words:
"The course was long and hard, but definitely worth it. Super stoked on the win and thank you to Starboard for their support and Namotu Island for their incredible welcome."
Long Distance Results
3:18:45 - Connor Baxter (HI)
3:26:16 - Kai Lenny (HI)
3:29:55 - Jeremy Stephenson (NZ)
3:31:16 - Jake Jensen (AUS)
3:32:13 - Noa Ginella (HI)
3:36:05 - Slater Trout (US)
3:44:46 - Andy Davies (AUS)
3:45:18 - Zane Schweitzer (HI)
3:45:19 - Greg Barfoot (NZ)
3:59:22 - Annabel Anderson (NZ)
4:13:08 - Shane Murrell (NZ)
4:43:28 - T.J Gulizia (US)
DNF - Phil Lockman (AUS)
DNF - Tom Pace (US)
Kai Lenny once again proves his worth ahead of elite field
2 x Stand Up Paddlesurfing World Champion Kai Lenny once again proves that his expertise is not limited to surfing, with a phenomenal performance in the challenging 22 mile race. Chasing fellow Mauian Connor from the outset, Kai solidified his second place, but could not catch Baxter. In Lenny's words:
"That was the longest paddle that I have ever done in my life - it was gruelling but a great experience and I am stoked for Connor, he is such an amazing paddler and reads the ocean so well"
New Zealand's Jeremy Stephenson steps up close to home
Proving that age and experience certainly plays a strong role in challenging distance paddle races such as this, Jeremy Stephenson gets the best of young Australian Jake Jensen, Oahu's Noa Ginella and Maui resident Slater Trout to take 3rd place, and then the others, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
Congratulations to all the paddlers for an incredible race that has been a great first step for the Stand Up World Series in a race that was verging on an endurance race of the likes of the Moloka'i to Oahu, but with all paddlers racing on a 12'6.
Annabel Anderson represents women paddlers worldwide
Annabel Anderson finished in a phenonenal 10th place overall and 1st and only woman in an incredibly fast time. Annabel was excited to represent the women here in Fiji, and added to Kai and Connor's comments on the extreme nature of the race that challenged both physical and mental limits of the athletes. What a great performance from this leading female athlete from New Zealand.
Fiji doesn't disappoint, with beauty, culture and action
The Fijian welcome has long been famous the world over, and it has not failed to disappoint this time for the Namotu World Paddle Challenge, presented by Air Pacific.
From the flight in on Air Pacific, the welcome at the InterContinental at the Opening Ceremony and kids clinic to the unsurpassed hopitality of Namotu Island, Fiji has provided an unforgettable experience for the attending international athletes, rivaled only by the beaty that surrounds us.
A traditional Kava Ceremony opened proceedings, followed by Vonu beers, pupus and a traditional danse that successfully laid the foundations for this groundbreaking event in Fiji.
The Fijian kids steal the show at the youth clinic
The Fijian kids from the local village steal the show at the youth clinic held on the beautiful Natadola Beach, in front of the InterContinental Resort.
The infectious smiles and energy brought by these kids was like nowhere else, as the Champion paddlers took the kids out for an unforgettable experience, both for the kids and the athletes.
Friday, November 11th
“Bula”, we’re finally here!
For those of you who have been here before, this welcome wagon is not unfamiliar.
Thanks to our sponsor, Air Pacific, our flight was comfortable and hassle free, with friendly and accommodating flight attendants.
The drive out to the boat launch is quickly forgotten as you get in the boat and near the two islands sitting out in the sea. Namotu’s crystal clear waters, surreal turquoise contrasting with the royal blue of deeper sea feels unreal no matter how many times you’ve come and gone.
Our gracious hosts, legends, Scotty and Mandy and their three golden labs,
are quite possibly the luckiest employers having Waqa, and Sova and their crew. From attitude to efficiency, joyful and diligent, it’s difficult not to mentally compare their service to that of most others.
Beauty and perfectly placed native art and sculptures being everywhere you look, it’s impossible to frown or find a bad seat.
Heading over to the Intercontinental for the press conference and planning for the is again worth the long drive once you arrive. A complete opposite of the intimate paradise of Namotu Island, the Intercontinental’s sprawling lawns and sheer vastness holds a very modern, expansive appeal.
Interconti will host tomorrow’s ‘Opening Ceremony’ for the Namotu Paddle Challenge, along with the Youth Clinics assisted by our visiting athletes on their private beach, Natadola. These pro watermen and women interact and instruct the children one-on-one in SUP and surfing.
This race marks the first ever 19mile SUP run from Natadola to Namotu Island and we are all very excited to see the results of this landmark elite event!
The InterContinental Resort to play host to the kids
The beautiful InterContinental Resort will host a unique youth clinic based on the original Na kama Kai clinics, providing both underprivileged and other Fijian youth with an opportunity to get on a board and experience the wonders of Stand Up Paddling at the pristine Natadola Beach in the company ofthe sport's legends.
All the attention will then turn to the hotel itself for the authentic Cultural Opening Ceremony in true Fijian style, in the presence of the athletes, the organization and Fijian dignitaries and sponsors of this groundbreaking event.
The Race to Namotu: a spectacular 19 mile downwind epic
Monday 14th November will play host to the first dramatic challenge of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific, as the athletes embark on a 19 mile downwind race from the InterContinental Resor at Natadola Beach to Namotu Island.
Following some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, this 1st leg of Stop 1 on the 2012 Stand Up World Series will challenge the athletes endurance, ocean riding skills and racing expertise, as amongst the very best paddlers in the world will battle it out for the top spot.
Competing on the Official Stand Up World Series 12'6 class, the athletes will have to dig deep to cross the line first.
Namotu Surf Slalom: intense World Series sprint racing
Following the success of the Sprint slalom racing showcased at the North Shore Paddle Challenge at Turtle Bay Resort, the blueprint has been set for the Stand Up World Series and adopted for this exciting leg of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific.
Athletes will have to punch out through the surf and round buoys both inside and outside of the surf zone in the creation of a spectacular action showdown that will keep the spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The heat elimination format will keep the battles intense and draw to a dramatic conclusion at the end of the day as not only the winner of this exciting component of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge will be crowned, but also the overall Champion for Stop 1 of the 2012 Stand Up World Series following the completion of both long distance and sprint races.
Elite athletes are now starting to congregate in Fiji
As we are now just days away from the grand opening of the Namotu World Paddle Challenge, an elite crew of athletes is now starting to arrive aboard Air Pacific flights in the paradise that is the beautiful Fijian Islands.
As we witnessed in Hawaii, California and beyond, the young guns are taking the lead in both stand up paddle racing and surfing, as they make their presence felt in all aspects of the sport.
In particular, the Maui hotbed of talent will be represented here in Fiji by the likes of Connor Baxter, Kai Lenny, Slater Trout and Zane Schweitzer, while the exceptionally talented waterman from the north shore of Oahu, Noa Ginella, will also be in attendance and be looking to assert his authority over the Mauians.
Also attending are athletes from the US, Australia and New Zealand, with leading female Kiwi, Annabel Anderson making the hop over to Fiji to stake her claim to the throne. All these athletes will be looking for a good result here in Fiji to make their presence felt and gain vital qualification points early in the season on the 2012 Stand Up World Series.
Stay tuned for the highlights, to be hosted by Dave Kalama
Stay tuned to www.standupworldseries.com for the latest news and highlights from the Namotu World Paddle Challenge presented by Air Pacific. With deep roots here at Namotu, none other than ocean sports legend Dave Kalama himself will be on hand to bring you the latest news from the event as the action unfolds here in Fiji.
He will be able to bring you his perspective on the action, the athletes and the competition as he witnesses history in the making with the exciting launch of the global competition platform that will crown its first ever racing World Champion in 2012.
Cloudbreak exhibition to feature the world's elite surfers
The Cloudbreak exhibition will feature some of the world's most celebrated and top level stand up paddlesurfers in a media driven showdown at this infamous surf spot deep in the South Pacific.
From 2 x World Champion Kai Lenny, to Contender Zane Schweitzer and also featuring legend, Dave Kalama himself, the showdown will be a showcase of the very best stand up paddlesurfing in the pristine conditions found here in Fiji, laying the foundations for the future.
The Musket Cove Fun Day: after all the intense action and competition, the final day of the event will be for all the family, with fun races and relays and a party atmosphere for the closing of this spectacular event
Thanks to the support of our presenting sponsor Air Pacific, we are able to offer free board carriage for 12'6 boards to Fiji on all Air Pacific flights as well as a discount on the already low flights, provided that the flights are booked using the following link: http://www.airpacific.com/worldpaddlechallenge
Special accommodation packages are available through our resort partners ranging from luxury all inclusive accommodation, to lower cost sharing options:
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For the all inclusive stays at the luxury resorts of Namotu Island and Tavarua, contact Waterways travel and quote the Paddle event to benefit from the special rates at both resorts (www.waterwaystravel.com)
For a lower cost alternative and in particular for groups, contact reservations@musketcovefiji.com , and quote your participation in the Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji
For discounted stays at the InterContinental Hotel at Natadola Beach, especially for the opening weekend and start of the race, contact enquiries.fiji@interconti.com and quote the Namotu World Paddle Challenge
The Event is also supported by Fiji's favorite beer, Vonu, a beer that will be available throughout the event and in particular through all the social events and prize-givings
The entry fee for this unique event will be US$100, and this will provide athletes with VIP passes to all the social events, entry to all the races, access to the Vonu Beer benefits and much more. All entries should email entryrace@watermanleague.com stating the race, your name, where you are from and contact details. Please note, that this race will feature a stock 12'6 class given the limitations for the airlines.
The Namotu World Paddle Challenge Fiji, presented by Air Pacific will be an event to remember and set the stage for an annual SUP pilgrimage to one of the most beautiful spots on earth. We look forward to seeing you there.