'Clydesdale' Division for 200+ lbs. Racers

[HawaiiRN808]

With SUP racing becoming more mainstream, there should be a 'Clydesdale' division for the 200+ lbs. paddlers.  Their weight is a disadvantage to the lighter guys.  This is already done in other sports like triathlons. 

Anyone thinks this is a good idea?  Please don't say that we should lose weight...hahaha!

[Bulky]

Agreed--this makes for fun comraderie and better competition.  I feel bad when I crush all them little flyweights...

[HawaiiRN808]

  HAHAHAHAHA! Good one!

[upwinder]

This has been discussed on the forums more than once. Personally I love the idea (for reasons of vested interest   ) but can't see it getting up, especially here in OZ while the numbers are small (and small, wiry blokes run the sport   ).
I'd like to see cycling organised that way too, but that's another argument...

[PonoBill]

I'm looking for a Clydesdale geezer division. I'd win every race. The only geezers I've seen that are faster than me are much smaller. Of course I'd be racing against, hmm, no one.

[pdxmike]

Gorge Bob told me at the Naish Hood River race that he was competing (hope I got this straight) in the small, over-55, left-handed, 12-6 division, and I got the feeling he had a couple more categories in mind if those weren't enough to guarantee him winning. 

I don't mind the idea of a 200+ division, especially given that I weight about 201. 

[PonoBill]

From what I heard Bob wasn't having too much trouble winning anyway. How come all these guys that used to be so easy to beat are getting faster and I'm not?

[Tom]

How about weighing the boards too. Then make the guys with the $4000 carbon fiber boards carry extra weight to match the heaviest fiberglass board.
 

[Wilverine]

I'm all for it but you have to weigh in before the race and not after.  I average about 202 but after my 8+ mile paddle i come in at 197'ish.  Beer and pizza get me ready for the next session

[FB1]

Biggins, paddle a 14' or unlimited board.

[Big Ed]

I think we need to keep it simple, that is a nice part of SUP racing now. FB1 is spot on...just ride a bigger board. In triathlon them big dudes are fast! It can be harder to place in Clydesdale cat then your own age group. I'd like to see more 14' folks. To me unlimited is not the future of the sport because of economics and hassle. Can you image a race start with a bunch of novice unlimited boards??

I tell myself you can't be fat to be fast!
6'3" 222

[PT Woody]

I want to see the NFL bring in a sub 150lb conference and the NBA needs a sub 5'9" conference. The NHL could have a division for people who can't skate. Not sure how we make baseball fair for everybody.

[Tom]

Not sure how we make baseball fair for everybody

It's called softball.

[PT Woody]

Not sure how we make baseball fair for everybody

It's called softball.

The other option would be to rearrange the two leagues into the steroid league and the non-steroid league.

[rocket3]

I like the idea!
The next thing will be the skinny fellas moaning about the big fellas windage advantage... ....on that note the skinnies might like the "clydesdale" idea.lol..