After watching Shuri “Shimpy” Arkai and Rai Taguchi doing so well in Europe it must be clear that there is more talent in Asia then we think. This weekend we will see the Asian SUP Elite, or at least the Korean, competing against some of the APP athletes such as Connor Baxter, Arthur Arutkin and many others. We are looking forward to follow this event as there are all eyes on Asia this weekend and after that again in November for the ICF SUP World Championships. We did have an interview with the KAPP organizer last month leading up to this event.
Now the APP just sent out this news release:
THE BUSAN SUP OPEN RETURNS TO GWANGALLI BEACH IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA THIS WEEKEND
The APP World Tour’s Busan SUP Open is back for 2023, with dramatic action coming to Gwangalli Beach in Busan, South Korea this weekend from the 7th – 9th October.
The Busan SUP Open features a unique mix of Pro Competition featuring the very best athletes in the World and mass participation at every level, inclusive of a stacked U14 division that clearly demonstrates the sport’s significant growth in the region that has been fueled by the impressive work of our local Partners KAPP.
It will also feature introductory sessions in the pool, SUP Yoga and fun formats and initiatives throughout a packed weekend of activities at the beautiful Gwangalli Beach.
APP WORLD TOUR COMPETITION INTENSIFIES
Now past the midway point in the APP World Tour season, the two Ratings leaders (Connor Baxter from Hawaii and Juliette Duhaime from Argentina) are looking to consolidate on their lead. But it will not be without a fight:
For the Men, 2018 World Champion Arthur Arutkin will be looking for a major come back, along with 2022 World #3 Itzel Delgado from Peru. In addition to these proven contenders, in red hot form right now is the ever impressive Rai Taguchi from Japan who has proved dominant in South Korea, with bullet wins in last year’s Busan SUP Open and this year’s Asian Championships in Seoul.
Meanwhile, watch out for the mainstay, Daniel Hasulyo from Hungary who is dangerous in all conditions and a group of impressive young guns stepping up to do battle in the form of Fernando PĂ©rez Serra and Manuel Hoyuela Rojas from Spain together with Asian hopefuls Thomas Luk from China and Natapat Koman from Thailand.
In the Women, Contenders such as Ji Won Choi from South Korea, Chloe Walkerdene from Australia and Caroline Cook from Canada will be stepping up to challenge Juliette’s firm grip at the top of the leaderboard and the action promises to be intense.