A QUALITY line-up of high profile athletes from across Australia and overseas will compete in the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut (KOTC) stand up paddle (SUP) event in Mandurah on December 5.
Now in its fourth year, KOTC is considered one of the fastest runs in the world and will see competitors paddle 24 kilometres downwind from The Dawesville Cut at Port Bouvard to Secret Harbour.
Last year’s KOTC and The Doctor champion, Beau O’Brian (Queensland) will return to defend his title against international professionals as well as local competitors.
Mandurah’s firefighter Adam Fahey, an accomplished ski paddler who made the move to SUP eight weeks, will compete in his first KOTC.
Fahey (41) said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s going to be tough,” he said.
“It’s a lot more taxing on the legs standing [than ski paddling]; it will take me around three hours to finish.”
Fahey said he swapped to SUP due to back issues.
“For me it was more about injury; it’s been really good for strengthening my back and legs,” he said.
Ben Tardrew, a former Falcon resident who has moved to Queensland, will also return for this year’s event after winning the 2013 race.
“It should be fun getting back to Mandurah,” he said.
Tardrew said he would be looking to finish inside the top 10.
“It’s pretty close in the top 20,” he said.
“Hopefully I can finish towards the pointy end.”
Last year’s champion O’Brian said he expected the event to be another tough race.
“There will be quite a few big names at the event again this year, so it’s going to be another tight race,” O’Brian said.
“The King of the Cut is known as one of the best events on the international SUP racing calendar due to the excellent location and the optimal weather conditions.”
Well known female competitors in this year’s event will include 2014 KOTC women’s’ winner, Angie Jackson (QLD) and Olympic sailing gold medallist, Belinda Stowell-Brett (Western Australia).
With a total prize pool of $16,500, the event has the largest prize purse for an SUP event in Australia.
The race starts at The Dawesville Cut at 1.30pm and finishes in Secret Harbour later in the afternoon with spectators encouraged to attend.
Entry is free and refreshments will be available to purchase at Secret Harbour.
For more information go to supwa.com.au