Punta Sayulita SUP Classic 2015

This year, the Punta Sayulita Longboard & SUP Classic became the Punta Sayulita SUP Classic.  The development, Punta Sayulita, stepped down from organizing and sponsoring the huge event held in the past and it was in danger of not even happening in any form this year.  In previous years, this was one of our favorite events to be in Sayulita for as it brought world class talent to town for the weekend's competition, a big name concert on the beach and it was just a great time to be here.

Enter Stand Up Paddle Mexico and the Mexico SUP Tour.  The two came together with Punta Sayulita on short notice and pulled off a very respectable, more local event here in Sayulita and renamed it the PUNTA SAYULITA SUP CLASSIC.  No concert on the beach and the big names in the international SUP and longboard scene didn't come but rather a local, Mexico event including "amateurs" and "Pros".  What people may not understand about the surf community in Sayulita is that there many racers and surfers that are World Class living here in town.  The contest basically was a battle of amazing local "pro" level talent along with a few additions.  Many of the local Mexican competitors will be featured in next month's ISA's World Standup Paddle and Paddleboard Championships here in Sayulita.  If you are a fan of SUP then this event will be the best place to be on the entire planet.

Running out for my first heat

This year I again signed up for the "Amateur" over 35 division SUP Surf competition.  The waves did not cooperate this day and I found it very difficult to feel good about anything I was doing out there.  

I must have showed the judges a few more things this year than last as I unexpectedly advanced from my heat to the finals competing against guys who had a lot more experience than I have.  Most of the guys competing were guys I surf with anyway so it was a pretty fun to be out there.

Well, last place in the finals is at least in the finals and all three of these guys are certainly better surfers than me.  I just wish the waves could have provided some additional energy so I could have played the "dark horse" more confidently and perhaps provided an upset of sorts.  It wasn't to be unfortunately.  All in all, a great weekend and the professional men had great waves and put on an amazing show.  It also gave a great preview of what will be in store in next month's World Championships here in town.  The fire is lit to gain some additional skills and be ready for next year's "old school" contest.  I will certainly be competing in 2016 if the opportunity is there again...maybe I'll convince Ashley to compete in the women's division as well.

Chachin, Paco, John and Ozzy