San Clemente, California – SIC Maui and the WPA (World Paddle Association) announce an all-new ONE CLASS SUP racing series. One Class racing made its debut in an exhibition event in May at the 2019 Salt Life Cup in Columbus, Georgia. The WPA and APP World Tour now recognize ONE CLASS and will include this division in select events for 2019 with an expanded schedule planned for 2020 in North America and around the world. For 2019 you can register for specific race events listed on the WPA and PaddleGuru websites, or look for events posted on the SUP One Class Facebook page.
The goal of the ONE CLASS racing division is to attract paddle enthusiasts to the competitive side of SUP while keeping it fair, affordable, and a strong emphasis on FUN! The ONE CLASS courses are short and easy one to two-mile courses, run as heat races all using identical boards. The race format can vary to include a ONE CLASS relay. This new class is designed to level the playing field and open the doors for new paddlers in a non-intimidating format while creating a path to graduate to open and elite racing.
“We believe this is a great way to get more people introduced to stand up paddling and in a fun race format with a board that can be used in everyday fitness and touring. This gives everyone a chance to feel what it is like to race without a whole lot of pressure. Furthermore, it allows for flexibility and scalability to race organizers who can adapt the course to their community, conditions and desired race length and format”, states Byron Kurt, President of the WPA.
Currently approved for the ONE CLASS category are the SIC Sonic, BIC SUP Wing, and Oxbow Explore paddleboards of which there are over 8,000 of these boards being paddled around the world today, providing the class with a great base of participants. The boards are very stable, have excellent glide, and are well suited for paddlers of nearly any age, size, and ability. The boards retail around $1,049.00 (USD), providing a low barrier to entry for anyone interested in doing ONE CLASS Races. For those who already own a One Class specification board, they will be able to enter with their own gear anywhere there is a One Class division offered. Charters will be available at select races so you can travel to participating events and races without the logistical hassle of transporting gear.
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