SUP Silver

Australian Jordan Mercer, the most decorated athlete in ISA history, earned her fourth consecutive Gold Medal but not without a dramatic finish. Coming into the final two buoys of the course, Mercer was head-to-head with Notten from Team South Africa.

However, Notten, caught up in the moment, paddled straight toward the beach, forgetting to complete the final two buoy turns giving Mercer the 4-peat. Mercer’s final time was 2:07:37, and Notten finished at 2:08:29, but earned 860 points for her result behind Mercer's 1000.

“I know now having crossed the line first and getting that fourth Gold at the ISA marathon race, the pain is all worth it,” said Mercer, the most decorated ISA athlete ever. “You are getting pushed to your absolute limits. Each year the girls are getting stronger and the countries are so passionate about being here, leading their nations. I am honored to be a part of it.”

Mercer resumed, “Out there racing, every stroke counts. Anything can happen while you are out there… I want to give huge thanks to Team Australia for having my back and helping me prepare and get ready for this race.”

The Women’s SUP and Paddleboard Distance Race kicked off the first day of racing competition. Following four laps around the 20KM course along the coastline of Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, and the first medals and points were awarded.

Team USA’s Candice Appleby earned her first ISA gold medal and valuable points for the overall team ranking with her win in the Women’s StandUp Paddle (SUP) Long Distance Race. She finished ahead of Canada’s Lina Augaitis. Mishka Steyn took 9th to help out with 475 points compared to 1000 for the win. Every result helps the team cause.

The day ended with Teams Australia and USA tied in points but South Africa has shown some mettle and looks set for an improved showing this year.

The friendship and camaraderie of the nations was seen when the final competitor, Argentina’s Florencia Baraboglia, reached the beach more than 30 minutes after the competitor before her, to a man-made tunnel composed of international hands, flags and cheers of praise.

Today, the competition continues with the Men’s SUP and Paddleboard Long Distance Races. Returning to defend the Gold Medal is France’s Titouan Puyo in SUP facing the likes U.S.A.’s highly touted Danny Ching, Hawaii’s Conner Baxter, Tahiti’s Georges Cronsteadt and Australia’s Beau O’Brian.

In Paddleboard, look for Australia’s defending Gold Medalist Rhys Burrows fending off the likes of U.S.A.’s Jack Bark as well as the 2014 Silver Medalist Sam Shergold from New Zealand.

Tune in to the live webcast for the third day hosted by Beau Hodge (2.45pnm SA time), featuring the lively brothers from Team Barbados Brian and Kevin Talma: Watch the live webcast here – www.ISAWSUPPC.com