Paddling in an ultra crowded East Coast surfing contest

[surfpainter]

I knew this day would come...The Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, the second oldest contest in the US and I'm the only stand up paddler entering the water( away from the contest area). I knew I wanted to do this, hundreds of short boards, longboards, body boards, swimmers, bikinis galore.  The waves were head high @ largest and I wanted to stand up surf and show that this new sport, can co-exist amongst the minions. As Blaine said, skill and respect will dictate how well you will get along and how you'll be treated in the water. It was amazing..I sat way outside and caught only the bigger set waves which nobody else caught and that never bothered anybody. Because my Bill Foote 11' is so light and manueverable I can weave in and out of the crowd without pissing anybody off. I mostly hear," Hey man, how long is that board? or..is that hard? or just   " cool"..I have practiced very hard at this new kind of surfing, in all kind of conditions so I felt the need to show, by example, what this area can expect from people entering this very addicting sport. After my 2 hour sessions (totally dehydrated)  tourists would come up to me and ask all kind of questions. I think I created a great vibe in a sometimes hostile surf enviornment...it felt good...

[stoneaxe]

I'll meet you there next year....look for the old guy on the way outside that is falling a lot.

[surfpainter]

I've got your back stoneaxeman..........look forward to it

[RUSS-D]

You gonna be out fo rhte Eastern Surfing Nationals in September?  I am heading that way to support my Surf Team members that made it into the Nationals. I'l try to toss the SUP on top of my Wifes mini SUV, if you are.

[Andy]

Surfpainter: respect you for getting out there and showing the sport off in such a great way.... letting everyone see that we can all get on and that SUP'ers are great people...

Ride safe

Andy

[footemaui]

Next year there will be a Stand Up division, I predict...