Dawesville will once again play host to Australia’s most prestigious Stand Up Paddle (SUP) race when competitors take to the water for the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut next month.
The seventh edition of the 24-kilometre sprint will attract some of the world’s best stand up paddlers with competitors from Japan, Singapore, New Caledonia, Switzerland, Ireland and across Australia set to hit the Dawesville Cut.
The race is the world’s fastest downwind dash, with more than half of the total field to be made up of competitors coming from outside of Western Australia.
King of the Cut chairman Greg Kerr said the event would again offer equal prize money for male and female competitors.
“We introduced equal prize money last year and were the first major international Stand Up Paddle event in Australia to do so,” he said.
“It’s fair and it makes sense.”
Competing for world tour points or state representation, competitors will start at the Dawesville Cut at Port Bouvard and finish at Secret Harbour.
The King or Queen of the Cut title and will be awarded to the first paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age.
The Peel coastline offers up the perfect conditions for the race, with the powerful and consistent West Coast sea breeze blowing uninterrupted runners that push competitors along at speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour like an endless conveyor belt.
The wind, known as the “Fremantle Doctor”, makes this fast event a favourite with SUP racers.
The King of the Cut itself is supported by a handful of surrounding events to celebrate the race, including the Djeridjinap Run, an estuary downwind fun run designed to introduce people to the sport.
The run will take place on the Friday night before the main event, while a training run and sundowner will be held during the week.
Last year’s main race saw Gold Coast paddler Jake Jensen crowned king and head home $4500 richer, posting a record time as he edged out 2016 champion Titouan Puyo in blistering fashion.
Meanwhile fellow Gold Coast competitor Angela Jackson breaking the pro female record on her way to taking the queen’s throne.
Jackson posted a time of two hours, seven minutes and 41 seconds to smash the previous record, finishing ahead of then-reigning champion Karla Gilbert who came in second.
The King of the Cut looks set take place on Saturday, December 1, but could be moved to the Sunday depending on conditions.
For further information, visit kingofthecut.com or supwa.com.au