USA National SUP Champioships

USA SUP National Championships Day 2

There was no amount of rain that could put a damper on the 5 and 10k races at the Olukai Low Country Boil and USA SUP National Championships in Hilton Head SC. on September 7^th.  While damp, the winds remained calm, and Day 2 went off without complication, but with plenty of competition.

The 10k and 5k races started in waves with Grand Masters, followed by Masters and then Open classes, with 3 minute intervals between waves. The course featured a counterclockwise 4 buoy course with 2 laps for 10k and a single lap for 5k. Both courses featured a “hot lap” at the end before heading back to the finish line. With the multi-wave start, and the arrangement of the course, competitors got a great view of the leaders of the classes and waves in front of them and a real sense of paddling with others of a wide range of abilities. The course felt full without feeling crowded.

In the 10k, rivalries were renewed for Day 2, not the least of which where the women’s open class which feature Stephanie Shideler, Maddie Miller, Seychelle, Maddi Leblanc, and Kim Barnes shoulder-to-shoulder for the better part of mile before forming a draft train that lasted into the 2^nd lap. Approaching the 2^nd buoy, random boat wake gave Seychelle and Kim an advantage. Stephanie Shideler was able to close, but left Maddi and Maddie on the outside looking in. At the finish, Seychelle hung on for the win over Kim Barnes. Stephanie Shidler finished just over 10 seconds later.

The men’s open class lead was established early with Eri Tenario and Jake Portwood gapping the field from the start. At the finish line, Eri opened a 42 second gap over Portwood. Bodie Von Allmen finished a lonely 3^rd.

The men’s masters was dominated by Steve Miller, who finished 5^th overall for SUP. Steven Berstien and Eric Carter Finished neck-and-and for 2^nd and 3^rd. Men’s grand masters was won by Karl Eugster, with Joe Bechtold, and Joel Hjelseth finishing off the podium.

The women’s masters was won by Ruth Ann Steen, followed by Michelle Currier, and Susanne Butler. The Women’s grand masters was won by Kristin Thomas, followed by Debra Szatko, and Kathy McRae in a photocopy finish of the sprints.

Day 1 of the USA SUP National Championships has come to a close, but the excitement is just heating up at the OluKai Low Country Boil.

Friday, September 6th, focused on the 200m sprint, held at the Rowing and Sailing Center on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The course stretched from a fishing dock northeast of the finish line, where a spacious floating dock, attached to a pier, hosted the scoring, timing, and livestream operations. If you missed it, you can catch the action on the livestream replay. Distance and technical races will also be live-streamed on YouTube as they happen.

The day was overcast, but the rain held off until the end of the races. Temperatures were mild, in the upper 70s, but a steady 10-15mph north wind made for challenging conditions, especially when it came to keeping in a straight lane. However, the partial tailwind and surge ensured fast, tight races all day long.

There were many thrilling storylines, particularly in the women’s open class, which saw the largest field of competitors and some incredibly close finishes. Six full heats were narrowed down to four for the quarterfinals, and then just two for the semifinals. In Heat 1, Maddie Miller and Maddi Leblanc advanced, narrowly edging out April Zilg. Heat 2 saw Seychelle and Kim Barnes move on, setting the stage for a star-studded final. In the standout performance of the day, Maddie Miller powered through the course with precision, leaving Seychelle and Kim Barnes to battle it out for lane position. Ultimately, Seychelle and Barnes took 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

The men’s open class featured familiar matchups, with Eri Tenorio and Jake Portwood going head-to-head, and Bodie Von Allmen facing Cambell Carter. In the finals, Eri Tenorio dominated, paddling with fierce determination to secure the win. Cambell Carter upset the standings by taking 2nd, pushing Jake Portwood down to 3rd.

In the Women’s Grand Masters division, Deborah Szatko kept the pressure on Kristen Thomas, with both races ending in photo finishes during the semifinals and finals. Kathy McRae finished just behind them, completing the podium. The Men’s Grand Masters saw a close contest, with Steve Phillips edging out Michael Markunas for the top spot, while Don Finn secured 3rd.

The highly competitive Men’s Masters (50-59) division was highlighted by Steve Miller’s victory. Steve and his daughter Maddie both took home wins in their respective categories, making it a banner day for the Miller family. Steven Berstein and Eric Carter rounded out the podium. Following the family theme, Eric Carter is the father of Men’s Open podium finisher Cambell Carter. On the women’s side, Alice Batson took first, with Michelle Currier falling just short after a late surge, while Ruth Ann Steen claimed 3rd.

A special shout-out goes to youth competitors Mason Kobler and Maylee Jaggi for their performances.

The day concluded with a mixed field of surfski, OC, and prone races.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Saturday, September 7th, the 5k and 10k races for SUP and prone racers promise to be both competitive and fun. Sunday, September 8th, will feature open-ocean technical racing. All events will be live-streamed on YouTube.