2018 Starboard Australia Black Blade

GO WEST

2018 STARBOARD BLACKBLADE-AUSTRALIAN SHORT COURSE TITLES…Supported by StandUp Paddle Sports

 

The Starboard Black Blade presented by Stand Up Paddle Sports is the finest SUP Short Course regatta in Australia. The Black Blade was the first SUP Short distance race on a buoyed course in the world outside America. This event has a unique decathlon style format with distances of 200m,1000m and 5000m.

Athletes race over the 3 distances with the times calculated to award the best paddler over all 3 distances

 

Race numbers are drawn from a hat to create a starting list for 200m heats, paddlers are then ranked into A,B and C finals for the 200m sprint race according to their heat times not age groups, this means we will have the fastest paddlers matched against each other. Paddlers will stay in there heat A,B or C for the 1000m race. The 5000m race will be a mass start.

 

To achieve a fair outcome over the 3 distances your time in the 200m is doubled the 1000m stays the same and the 5000m time is divided by 3.

 

This modern,  tried and tested handicapping system means you have to do well in all distances to take out the title for your age division, but can make up time in distances you are better at. It’s a twist on just flatwater racing, it’s paddling consistency – sorts out the ultimate paddler – whether a Downwinder paddler, Flatwater racer or SUP Surfer – who’s got the Engine, Endurance and Tatics.

 

 

Board Class: Race Boards 14ft and under (must use same board for all 3 races)

 

Trophies awarded for Open/Elite* – Male/Female 1st,2nd and 3rd

 

Medals awarded for

Male U/40 1st,2nd and 3rd

Male O/40 1st,2nd and 3rd

Male 0/50 1st,2nd and 3rd

 

Female U/40 1st,2nd and 3rd

Female O/40 1st,2nd and 3rd

 

*Top 3 best overall times will constitute the Open/Elite division -recognising the most outstanding paddlers. Paddlers finishing outside of the top 3 will then be broken down into age divisions.

 

There is also Major Perpetual Trophy awarded for the fastest paddler Male and Female over 200m

 

As a special invitation we are also including OC1 racing at this year’s event and will award medals for 1st,2nd and 3rd

 

SUP paddlers don’t often get to race at a world class venue with certified photo finish timing so get your entries in early and start training and GO WEST for this great day of racing.

 

Who will be the fastest paddler over 200m? Who will be the overall Champion?

 

Registration and Briefing: 0830

Racing: 0930