State’s best paddleboarders descend on Geraldton for WA SUP Surfing Titles

Stand up paddleboarding guns from across the State flocked to Geraldton for the WA SUP Surfing Titles on July 24-26. Despite a considerable pool of Mid West talent, metropolitan surfers dominated the rankings after three days of heavy competition in perfect winter conditions. At stake was the chance to qualify for the Australian SUP Titles at Victoria’s Philip Island later this year. The first two days of competition were held in pounding surf at Back Beach, before the event moved north to Sunset Beach for Sunday’s finals. With competitors hailing from Karratha to Denmark battling over eight divisions, it was Karrinyup duo Chris Twomey and Monica McNab who claimed top spot in the men’s and women’s open events. Twomey also claimed first place in the over-50 men’s division. “It’s been a terrific three days of competition and camaraderie here in Geraldton,” Twomey said. “To walk away as a multiple State champion is such a great feeling.” Hot on the heels of the reigning open men’s State champion was runner-up and former AFL player Dave Muir (Nedlands), who went on to claim first place in the 10-foot men’s division. Other winners were Beaconsfield’s Susannah Wilson (10-foot women’s), Greenwood’s Peter Tomsett (over-40 men’s), Scarborough’s Silvia De Araujo (over-40 women’s), and Dunsborough’s Richard Wain (over-60 men’s). Surfing Western Australia events and marketing manager Justin Majeks said after two days at Back Beach, Sunset Beach provided ideal waves for finalists. Majeks added that it was the competitors who adapted to the contrasting conditions who came out on top. “In a COVID-19 affected year, it’s been refreshing to bring the surfing tribes back together at iconic surfing locations such as Geraldton,” he said.