SUP Champs go Live

Monday 11 May 2015 The 2015 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships began yesterday from Sayulita, Mexico, after a colourful opening ceremony. Team SA were up in the Men's and Women's SUP surfing events.

Sands of the World Ceremony on the beach.Photo ISA / Bielmann

The first ISA world champs of the year were declared open yesterday as 27 Standup Paddleboard teams, with their national flags, flooded the Riviera Nayarit of the coastal town. Grandiose titles for the opening ceremony - the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony - "celebrated the ISA spirit", said the press release.

The first world championship of the year saw dignitaries, officials, athletes and enthusiastic spectators march in the Parade of Nations through the heart of the colourful coastal village.

At the end of the parade, on the beach of Sayulita, nations participated in the Sands of the World Ceremony. One-by-one, two members from each team took to the main stage pouring sand from their local beach into the glass container while waving their flag. The end result was 27 layers of sand, symbolizing the peaceful gathering of Surfing and SUP nations

Free surf.Photo ISA / Bielmann

Thereafter came a number of cultural performances including, a Mariachi band, Huicholes Mexican dancers from Nayarit, and a group of Jalisco dancers. They delivered an authentic flavor of the host city and state, captivating the minds of all in attendance and visitors alike.

“Welcome everybody to the 2015 ISA SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Sayulita, Mexico,” exclaimed ISA President Fernando Aguerre to all in attendance. “Thank you to all the teams. I know you have made a big effort to come to Mexico to participate, and, of course, thanks to our host Mexico, the state of Nayarit and Sayulita.”

Opening Ceremony. Photo ISA / Bielmann

Aguerre added, “This is a very historical moment for SUP, Surfing and the ISA. Today we have all the best SUP surfers, SUP racers, and paddlers of the world, in true Olympic spirit. We are working hard to have our sports included in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2019 Pan American Games.”

Aguerre closed his speech to the crowd with, “At the end of the day, some of you may take medals home but most of you will not, but all should take with you a great memory of the times spent in Sayulita. Take home the warmth of the Mexican people. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Mahalo, Domo arigato, Tanti Grazie, and Muito obrigado… Viva el SUP, viva el surf!”

Free surf. Photo ISA / Bielmann

Competition starts Monday with The Morning Show at 7:45am (local time), featuring the host Beau Hodge, who will be introducing the event, followed by:

Men’s SUP Surfing Main Event 1
Women’s SUP Surfing Main Event 1
Men’s SUP Surfing Main Event 2
Women’s SUP Surfing Main Event 2

Watch the live webcast on http://isawsuppc.com/2015/live/ today from 2.45pm SA time