In a year where nothing can be taken for granted, SUP Western Australia (SUPWA) is thrilled to confirm the 2020 Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut will go ahead on Saturday 5th December 2020!
Media Release: 18/11/2020, Perth, Western Australia, AUS
Confirmed: World’s best downwind SUP race: Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut
• 5 December 2020, Mandurah, Western Australia
• 24km from Dawesville Cut to Secret Harbour
• New category: surf ski paddlers join local SUP competitors
• Run over one of the world’s best downwind paddle courses
In a year where nothing can be taken for granted, SUP Western Australia (SUPWA) is thrilled to confirm the 2020 Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut will go ahead on Saturday 5th December 2020, a 24-kilometre downwind paddle race from Dawesvile Cut to Secret Harbour, about an hour south of Perth.
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut (KOTC) has always been a stand up paddle (SUP) specific event, but after years of asking and for the first time, SUPWA has opened up the race to surf skis.
KOTC chairman Greg Kerr said that most downwind events around the world were specific to Surf Ski, Prone Paddle Board or Outrigger, with SUPs as an add-on. Kerr has said below,
Last year, Wing Foiling or Wing Dinging was a demonstration division and is set to be one of the bigger divisions in the KOTC this year.
Stand UP Surf Shop manager Will Wilson, says that the relatively new sport Wing Foiling is very popular.
“In terms of sales, Wing Foiling has gone through the roof with many new people who have windsurfing or kite boarding backgrounds getting into the sport.”
The ninth edition of the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut is a favourite with SUP racers due to the near-perfect consistent wind.
“The ‘Freo Doctor’ at this time of year is what makes this event so fast. The powerful and consistent West Coast sea breeze creates uninterrupted runners and pushes competitors along like a really fun conveyor belt,” says Kerr.
All competitors will be tracked live via Track Me Live app that allows officials and supporters to see the race progress in real time.
Over 100 competitors are expected at the start line on either SUPs, Outrigger Canoes, Prone Paddle Boards, Wing Foils or Surf Skis.
In previous years, the KOTC has attracted some of the world’s best SUP competitors from Japan, Singapore, New Caledonia, Switzerland, Ireland, New Zealand, Greece, Sweden and across Australia. This year with travel restrictions due to COVID-19, all entrants to date are West Australians.
Besides competing for state representation, competitors are also vying for title honours – the King or Queen of The Cut, which is awarded to the first SUP paddler across the line, regardless of board class or age.
The best spectator points are at the start line along the groin at Dawesville Cut at 12pm and on the beach in front of the Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club for the finish of the Stand Up Surf Shop King of The Cut at approximately 3pm.
Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut
The Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut has a two-day window for the best conditions – Saturday 5th December (or Sunday 6th December). Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville Cut and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour. Entry is free.
Date: | Saturday 5th December (or Sunday 6th December if weather conditions are unfavourable). |
Location: | Start at 12pm The Dawesville Cut at Port Boulevard Finish at Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club 3pm onwards |
Time: | Race start, 12pm. |
Competitors: | 100 approx. |
Craft: | Stand Up Paddle Boards, outrigger canoes, prone paddleboards, SUP foils, wing foils and surf skis |
Distance: | 24km |
More info: | www.kingofthecut.com or www.supwa.com.au |