World champion to race in King of the Cut

Booth claimed the title of the world’s best when he finished first in the 2016 Fiji ISA World Championship, a 17 kilometre marathon race, in November.

Now he is eyeing the finish line in the world’s fastest downwind race.

Arguably the most prestigious race in Australia, the King of the Cut has a total prize pool of $17,350 making it the largest prize purse for a stand-up paddle event in the country.

The race is set to attract about 150 top local, interstate and international competitors including Booth and other high profile professionals, such as seven-time champion surf life saving Ironwoman Karla Gilbert.

Booth, a stand-up paddler from the Gold Coast, has a background in many different ocean sports. After competing at an elite level in surf life saving, kayaking and ocean ski in 2016, he turned his major focus to stand-up paddle.

After taking out a win in the world championships, and emotional and exhausted Booth took to social media to celebrate.

“Coming into the finish I was physically exhausted but it just shows how strong your mind can be,” he wrote.

“It’s kind of funny looking at it, because I attempted to claim it but was so exhausted that as soon as I came out of my paddling rhythm I fell off.”

King of the Cut competitors will paddle 24 kilometres starting at the Dawesville Cut at Port Boulevard and finishing at Secret Harbour. 

The king or queen of the cut title will be awarded to the first paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age, however, only competitors paddling 14 foot boards are eligible for prize money.

The optimal weather conditions, namely the powerful and consistent “Freo Doctor” sea breeze makes this fast event a favourite with stand-up racers.

Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour. Entry is free with the race to be ran on Saturday, December 3.

For further information, visit kingofthecut.com or supwa.com.au