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Who’s going and who to look out for!
There are more than 300 SUP Surfers, SUP Racers, Paddleboarders and Team Officials from 27 countries attending this ISA worlds this year. Big names such as Australia, USA, South Africa, Spain, France, Great Britain and New Zealand will be there. And also for the first time Hawaii is making an appearance! With a team including Connor Baxter (Distance/Technical), Zane Schweitzer (Distance/surf), Mo Freitas (Technical/surf) and Jenny “Waikiki Love” Lee (surf) they’re definitely going to have gold in their sights. And three times overall gold medal champions Australia will have to work hard to make it a fourth again this year that’s for sure! Other new teams planning on taking part in this years ISA Worlds include Holland and the US Virgin Islands.
Team GB – Who is Who?
We have a very strong 6 person team this year with a good balance of surf and racers in this group.
Race Team
Ollie Shilston- (Team GB Race captain) Technical & Distance Race
Ollie is one of those guys who doesn’t shout about what he’s doing or how good he really is! But let us tell you… he is an unbelievable all-round waterman and an incredible SUPer. Ollie has competed in many international SUP races and is up there with the worlds best. At last years ISA event unfortunately Ollie was taken ill just a few days before the distance race, but that didn’t stop him and he still managed to finish 12th and only 5 minutes behind the top finisher!
Andy Joyce – Technical Race
Andy from Bournemouth and ‘Bay SUP’ SUP club, is the new boy on the GB Race Team. Since 2008 he has been SUP crazy and worked his way up into the top UK racing ranks. Andy is a super passionate SUPer who can’t wait to give his best and test himself against the worlds best.
Marie Buchanan – Technical & Distance Race
SUPboarder Team rider Marie has been a top level SUP athlete for almost the same amount of time SUP has existed in the UK! With countless SUP race and surf wins under her belt Marie has loads of experience and a fantastic balance of surf/race skills to make the most of the conditions out in Mexico. Marie has never been one to big herself up, she lets her racing do the talking. We look forward to watching her dig deep and power her way across both race disciplines.
Surf Team
Matt Barker Smith (Team GB surf captain)
Matt is a true power surfer. Winner of the National BSUPA surf SUP competition for the last 2 years and having competed at last years ISA event Matt has a vast amount of competition experience. Known for his fast surfing and powerful slashy turns, he will no doubt be looking to link them together to score some good rides in Mexico.
Glyn Ovens
It will be SUPboarder Team rider Glyn Ovens’ first ISA event. Glyn is one of those competition surfers who knows what he has to do to get the wave scores needed. He has competed in many international SUP surfing events so is no stranger to paddling out in a heat with many of the big names. It’s going to be exciting to watch this Welsh boy on the world stage this year.
Holly Bassett
Holly from Whitterings, has grown up with watersports in her blood. Having been on the water from a very early age, her love for the ocean is clear to see. And her passion for SUP and dedicated training between school work, has led her to become UK SUP surf champion. Holly always gives it 100% on the water so this is a great opportunity for Holly to show the world what she’s made of!
Team GB Manager Simon Bassett
Photographer, BSUPA head coach and Holly’s dad. Simon is a well accomplished paddler himself who will be out in Mexico with the team to make sure they have everything they need during the event, keep their cool when competing, and will keep us all updated with team news following each days action on the water.
The Schedule and what to watch on SUPboarder
SUPboarder will have a live ISA feed covering all of the action as it happens, plus all the latest news and videos throughout the event . Please be aware that the ISA many change the dates of scheduled events due to better weather conditions. But the current schedule with team GB members is as follows at present;
Sunday, May 10th
Opening Ceremony 5pm
Monday, May 11th
First Day of Competition – SUP Surfing Matt Barker Smith/Glyn Ovens/Holly Bassett
Tuesday, May 12th
Long Distance Women Finals (SUP and Paddleboard)Marie Buchanan
Wednesday, May 13th
Long Distance Men Finals (SUP and Paddleboard)Ollie Shilston/Andy Joyce
Thursday, May 14th
SUP Surfing Matt Barker Smith/Glyn Ovens/Holly Bassett
Friday, May 15th
Technical Race Qualifying Marie Buchanan/Ollie Shilston/Andy Joyce
Saturday, May 16th
SUP Surfing Finals & Team Relay All the team
Sunday, May 17
Technical Race Finals
Team Relay Finals
Closing Ceremony
We look forward to seeing the action unfold over the coming week and want to wish all of the teams good luck and safe travels. We will be watching on the live feed so show us what you can do and have fun. Stay up to date with all the action on SUPboarder and follow Team GB on their Facebook page here. And for more information about the event and ISA visit the International Surfing Association website here.
The Team GB crowdfunded page is still available. So if you fancy showing your support financially and getting some great rewards visit their page here.