World Stand-Up Paddling Champs Hit the Waves of Fiji

(ATR) On a hot, sun-splashed day off the coast of Fiji, the 2016 World Stand-Up Paddling Championships kicked off Sunday as athletes took on the world-renowned Cloudbreak surfing mecca.

Under the auspices of the International Surfing Association (ISA), SUP is considered the fastest growing water sport worldwide.

Surfing is one of five sports approved by the IOC for inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, however the SUP discipline was denied. ISA president Fernando Aguerre and aspiring Olympic SUP Paddlers are optimistic that the relatively new surf discipline will make the cut for 2024.

"Stand-up paddling definitely deserves to be in the Olympics because it is the fastest growing water sport and it is so diverse," said Hawaiian Zane Schweitzer, 20, whose father was an Olympic windsurfer.

"You can practice on any body of water – in a pool, on a lake or rivers. I’ve competed in the middle of Abu Dhabi in a wave pool and in Europe down rivers. That’s what makes stand-up paddling so special."

"We’re hoping to bring the sport to the Olympic Games," Aguerre told Around the Rings in Fiji. "It’s a sport that’s maturing – it’s really baby surfing. SUP was created by Laird Hamilton to stay in shape between swells and a lot of people have embraced it."

The nine-day SUP showcase event marks the first time that an ISA world championship has been contested in the South Pacific ocean nation comprised of 333 islands. Nearly 250 male and female athletes are in Fiji for the individual and team competition.

Cloudbreak’s reputation precedes it. It is a world class left reef pass that is widely considered one of the 10 most challenging waves in the world. Watching SUP surfers navigate its swells, where waves can tower 20 feet high, is awe-inspiring.

"Cloudbreak is know to be one of the world’s longest, biggest and most hollow waves, so when there’s big open ocean swell, there’s the best quality waves for the biggest height," explained Schweitzer. "This wave is known to be mechanically perfect, big or small, which is very special."

"It’s a dream because a few years back, I’d never believe we’d have a SUP event in these waves, but the level of the sport has increased so much," said Iballa Moreno of Spain. "It’s a paradise in the middle of the ocean. With the clear and warm water, it’s a dream for any surfer to be here."

Logistically the world championship is a massive undertaking for the ISA as the Cloudbreak swell is about 20 kilometers or 40 minutes by boat from Fiji’s Port Denerau, removed from any beach or coastline.

"It’s one of the most difficult events anywhere in the surf world because it all takes place on the water," said ISA executive director Robert Fasulo. "It’s been extremely complex and challenged us in many ways, but fortunately there is a lot of experience here in Fiji. What you give up in logistical challenges, you gain in spectacular location and scenery."

Individual titles in SUP Surfing, SUP technical, SUP distance, as well as paddleboard events are up for grabs. Unlike most traditional surfing events, a team title will also be awarded.

The United States are the defending world champions, while Australia won the first three editions of the SUP world championships.

The Fiji event marks the fifth ISA SUP world championship.

Festive Opening Ceremony at Port Denerau

In a festive, fun-filled and colorful kickoff, the SUP world championships were declared open on Saturday afternoon. Athletes representing 26 nations, dressed wildly, waved flags and paraded through Port Denerau. Aguerre and Fijian officials welcomed the surfers.

"This dream has become a reality – a world championship in Fiji," Aguerre said, thanking the government and tourism officials of the South Pacific nation.

"This is an important and historical year for the ISA," said the Argentine born surfing chief. "On August 3rd, 2016, the ISA became an Olympic federation and this is the first-ever world championship in Fiji.

"In Tokyo 2020, we’re not going to have just surfing – we’re going to have a surf and beach festival," he said. "There will be music from surfers like Jack Johnson, yoga every morning, healthy food and we will teach the Japanese public and youth how to surf. It will be a show of our culture."

Aguerre told the competitors that they are lucky to compete in such a stunning and beautiful location.

"The place is wonderful, nature has been so generous with Fiji and we know about Fijian waves and the clear, warm waters, but what will be the best feature will be the "Bula Spirit" and how they will welcome us.

"This is going to be unforgettable."

Written by Brian Pinelliin Fiji

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