Carolina Cup 2023

The Carolina Cup 2023 shapes up to be a big event this year. The race is once again an ICF world ranking event and we expect to see all the big names from the US. At this time it is hard to estimate what international paddlers will make their way to Writghtsville Beach in North Carolina because we are having Europes biggest SUP Event taking place in Alicante: The SUP World Festival. This year is a big one for the event, as it is part of the EURO TOUR and the APP at the same time. We might even be looking at a world premiere having the EURO TOUR and the APP at the same beach at the same weekend.

As far as the Carolina Cup goes we know that Duna Gordillo will be making the trip to the Carolina Cup and maybe even Esperanza Barreras (so we heard). How many other Europeans will follow we do not know at this time. Update: Espe just confirmed that she will not be at the Carolina Cup. By now we also know that Fiona Wylde will return to racing next weekend in Spain.

One great thing to see is, that Seychelle will be returning to the race scene announcing Stroke Technique Clinic on Friday before the race. If she will be racing her self is subject to speculation. She did announce her retirement along with her pregnancy a 2 years ago. Having her back on the race course sure would be a great excitement for the sport.

Seychelle Stroke Technique Clinic

Friday, April 28th 10am – 12pm

A 2 hour stand up paddle clinic on land and on the water. We will go over paddle stroke technique and practice drills to help make improvements in your stroke efficiency, power, and speed. We will also discuss best practices and stroke adjustments to prevent injuries. Bring all of your SUP stroke questions, your board, paddle, pfd, leash, and water bottle.This clinic is for all level paddlers from novice to advanced, though not for complete beginners.

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Another great SUP athlete on the scene will be April Zilg. She will be holding two paddle clinics leading up to the SUP Race Weekend.

Advanced Outrigger Paddling Techniques with April Zilg

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Thursday 4/27 – 4:30pm-6:30pm Cap: 20 paddlers

Paddle smarter – not harder! Although this clinic is geared towards advanced technique, it is just as suitable for beginners starting their paddling journey as it is for intermediate to advanced outrigger paddlers looking to eek out a few more seconds per mile. This 2 hour outrigger paddling clinic will take one hour to cover proper technique and how it relates to the physiology and biomechanics of paddling. In the second hour paddlers will get on the water for analysis and to practice the stroke. Paddlers can expect to learn proper body position and which muscle groups to engage for each phase of the paddle stroke, which helps avoid injury and increase efficiency. Meets at Soundside BR.

April Zilg’s Locals Guide to Mason’s Inlet

Friday 4/28 – 9:30am – Noon – Cap: 10 paddlers

If you’ve wanted to try the Graveyard but you’re worried about Mason’s Inlet, then this is the clinic for you. Learn the in’s & out’s (pun intended) of this challenging section of the course. There’s breaking waves, rollers, shoals, channels, eddies, and double ups. Regardless of the direction the course is run this year, it’s good to be acquainted with the area! Join local paddler, 2x Carolina Cup & 2022 World Champion, April Zilg as she shares with you local tips and tricks to make it through the inlet. After covering surf zone safety on land, this 2.5 hour clinic will be mostly on the water. As a group, you will paddle the north and south sides of the inlet, discovering sandbars and channels so that you can select a line that you’re comfortable with: whether you want to surf, or never encounter a breaking wave… both are possible!Previous paddle experience is required. (This is a course geared towards paddlers wanting to make the jump from the 6 mile to the 12 mile course that are not worried about the distance, but are worried about the conditions. Thank you for understanding. This clinic meets at Public Access #2 on the north end of Wrightsville Beach, parking is limited and must be paid for.)

This is a bit of a preview on training with April:

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Back on the beach is also Dan Gavere. Dan is a pioneer in the SUP sport who made him self a name with some crazy white water SUP stunts in the early days of SUP. We have not seen Dan in a while so it is nice to see that he is still active. He will also be offering two SUP Clinics as part of the entertainment in Wrightsville Beach:

Dan Gavere’s Rough Water Racing- Technique and strategies

Friday 4/28 – 8:30-10:30 AM

Whitewater SUP Pioneer and Carolina Cup veteran, knows a thing or two about dealing with fast-moving water, wind, chop, waves, current, and the conditions you are sure to encounter at the 2023 Carolina Cup. He will provide easy-to-remember skills and drills used to establish best practices, and muscle memory while focusing on the techniques used in advanced paddling and racing. This clinic can help anyone to paddle with more confidence in challenging rough water conditions. Additionally, Dan will provide some key tips and strategies for the specific 2023 race courses tailored to the history of the courses, the weather forecast, and even the course conditions expected for the race.Pre-requisite, Board, paddle, PFD, leash, appropriate clothing for the conditions, dress to get wet, Max – 10 people.

Dan Gavere’s-The Ultimate Guide to Stand Up Paddle (5KM &10KM) Racing

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Friday 4/28 – 12:00 pm-2:00 pm

Want to have the best possible Carolina Cup race day? With 30 years of paddle racing experience from the seat of his kayak to his stand-up paddleboard, Dan will give you the specific details on what may be the best line choice and strategies for the Harbor Island and Money Island Courses. Tailored for new SUP racers and first-timer Carolina Cup Athletes the clinic will start on land to go over the pre-race strategy before moving into the water for an in-depth look into the forward paddling techniques for efficiency, and power along with water start strategies, turning techniques, important landmarks for course route strategy, and more.

Each participant will get individualized feedback on their paddling technique, and recommendations for improvement or modifications tailored to each person’s style, physical abilities, and equipment.Please bring: Board of any type is welcome (inflatable, surf style, touring, race, recreational). Paddle, PFD, Leash, and appropriate clothing (synthetic is best, cotton is worst).