World champ Westdorp chasing state crown
THREE-time world stand up paddle board champion Shakira Westdorp will headline the list of high calibre surfers at the Queensland titles.
The Queensland SUP titles will be held on Sunday on the Gold Coast with long-range forecast predicting an easterly swell to stick around.
Tugun-based Westdorp will be among the favourites in the women’s event after claiming a third world SUP crown in China at the end of last year.
Defending open men’s champion Michael McCall is hopeful of taking another state title after an exciting win at his home break of Alexandra Headland last year.
“The event should be great, hopefully, we get some waves,” McCall said. “Last year’s win was a bit unexpected, as I haven’t been into SUP surfing for too long. Another state title win would mean the world.”
Surfing Queensland chief executive Adam Yates is excited to crown several Queensland champions this weekend.
“We’re excited to be hosting our SUP Surfing Titles as a stand-alone event in 2019,” Yates said. “Our SUP surfing community is growing stronger than ever in Queensland and we can’t wait to crown our champions on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Coolangatta’s Jay Occhilupo, son of 1999 world surf champion Mark, will compete at his first Pro Junior event when he lines up at The Hydralyte Sports Surf Series in Cronulla on Saturday and Sunday.