Another Easy Rider SUP Cup is in the books, making it a full decade worth of Stand Up Paddle racing in Edmonton.
Saturday dawned sunny and a bit chilly for registration at the Edmonton Queen Riverboat parking lot.
The City’s ever changing road paving schedule made it a little eventful to get to the sign in area – but eventually all the Race and Tour paddlers were checked in and the paddlers and their boards were loaded into their respective shuttles.
The Racers headed up to Terwillegar Park and make the short trek to the water, while the Tour paddlers left 30 minutes later and were shuttled to Laurier Park.
The Race began shortly after 9:30 AM with 36 racers heading out.
Once the first half of the racers passed by Laurier Park – the 64 Tour paddlers joined in the river run back down to Rafters Landing and the Edmonton Queen Riverboat.
And then the wind came! Shortly after Laurier Park, all paddlers faced a very strong head wind. Thank goodness it was down current.
But – once the paddlers rounded the bend in the river at the north end of Hawrelak Park it turned into a downwind / down current run all the way past the High Level bridge. From there it was a short paddle to the finish.
Once all paddlers were back safe and sound we proceeded with the BBQ and Awards at Rafters Landing.
Sunday was SUP Polo Day – and while it was a little chilly, at least there was no wind.
With the Starboard Polo court all set up, paddlers were shuttled out to the playing field on the 18’6″ x 60″ Starboard Starship where they mounted their Starboard SUP Polo boards and paddles.
Each team played 2 games – and while at times it “seemed” really serious, ALL players had the most FUN of the entire weekend.
There were lots of battles, some blood, and lots of laughter.
Thank you to everyone that came out and paddled / that volunteered to help run the event / and to all the sponsors that donated the massive amount of draw prizes – please support them, as they support the sport.
Photos and video of the event coming soon.
See you on August 18 & 19, 2018 for the start of the next decade with year number 11.
