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When Red Bull and the Waterman League launched the idea of a SUP race event that would involve the worlds best taking on the biggest swells, it already sounded like an epic idea. Battle of the Paddle ‘BOP‘ racing in and out of the beach is always fast and furious, with a very high level of carnage too! But as with all Red Bull events, this SUP race was set to be more extreme than any racing before.
Red Bull has influenced so many sports, and for many has put them on the extreme sports map in front of a huge world stage, such as the Red Bull Rampage bike events. Will Heavy Water become a benchmark of extreme SUP racing?
We all love to see a bit of crazy carnage but there is always a fine line between making something look extreme and on the edge, but not unmake-able. What are the biggest swells that paddlers can paddle through? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – Red Bull ticks all the boxes with the spectators and has put SUP racing on the start of its next journey. The next level up from BOP…. ‘XBOP’.
What did you think of the Red Bull Heavy Water event? As paddleboarders we would love to know your thoughts.
And remember… XBOP – you heard it first here on SUPboarder 😉
The RedBull Heavy Water 2016 showed just what is possible in the sport of Stand Up Racing when you put the best paddlers in the world against one of the heaviest breaks in the world. This showcase event had everything to enjoy from tons of carnage to nail biting make it or break it rides. Congrats to Connor Baxter for taking first place and with it the $20 000.00 prize purse as well as earning him his second world title. Next year will see the fleet of racers increase and the action get even bigger in one of the most stunning locations in the world. Words : Waterman League