Shakira’s seventh heaven on a SUP

GOLD Coast’s Shakira Westdorp admits she was left “frothing” after claiming her seventh Australian SUP Title.

Westdorp yesterday defeated Hannah Finlay-Jones (NSW), Skyla Rayner (NSW) and Terrene Black (NSW) in an exciting final heat in pumping waves at Duranbah beach.

“I’m frothing. I was actually a bit nervous,” Westdorp said.

“All the girls were ripping, they’re definitely all big threats. It wasn’t easy.

“I was stoked to get a couple of nice waves and get a few nice turns in. The waves were fun out there, you just had to find the right ones. I’m looking forward to the ISA World Championships for sure.

“I’m feeling good and I’ve been training heaps, so hopefully, I can get a good result.”

On a packed day of action, several national crowns were handed out on day three of the Australian SUP Titles.

Featuring open men, open women, over-40 men, over-40 women, over-50 men, junior men and junior women divisions, the event also saw ironwoman great Karla Gilbert snare another honour.

Gilbert took out the open women’s division of the technical with Andrew McKinnon race in the incredible time of 23.48 minutes – a whole minute ahead of the Terrene Black (NSW).

“I’m stoked to get the win,” she said. “I’m feeling good.”

In the over 40-men’s division, Steve Morley took first place, scoring a two-wave heat total of 16.25 – defeating Justin Holland (NSW), Paul Jones (QLD) and Trafford Harris (WA) respectively.

“I’ve won Queensland titles before but this is my first Australian title,” Morley said.

“It feels good to have the ocean work with you.”

Harry Maskell (NSW) won the open men’s SUP surfing division, scoring a 9.9 (out of a possible 10) on an excellent wave combined with a 9.5 in the last heat of the day for a heat total of 19.15 (out of a possible 20) – the highest heat total score of the entire event.

Maskell blew judges and spectators away in the 2ft surf to take the win in an outstanding fashion.

“I’ve come close to winning an Australian title a few times, so I’m super excited to finally win,” Maskell said.

“I’m keen to head to the world championships in China for sure. I’m looking forward to seeing some new culture, surfing some waves and having some fun.”

Sam McCullough (WA) finished first in the junior men’s division in front of Clayton Kane (NSW). The SUP titles wrap up today.