12 Towers SUP Event - APP Qualifier

The 12 Towers SUP Race kicks off tomorrow on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. Acting as an APP World Tour qualifying event, you can be sure the big names will be battling it out for the title.

Celebrating its 10th year, The 12 Towers has been a figurehead of Australian and worldwide SUP races. Bringing in racers from around the country, this event will be a stepping stone for those looking to qualify onto the APP World Tour.

After careful considering around COVID implications, the event has been given the green light to run. There are three different courses that athletes can compete on..

15km long Course
An Open Water distance pursuit in the pristine ocean waters of the Gold Coast Australia, this course will art on the sands of world famous Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay before setting off on a 15 km stretch through to beautiful Burleigh Heads, passing by 12 Lifeguard Beach Surveillance Towers (hence establishing the race name). Once competitors reach picturesque Burleigh Headland, they will round an inflatable “turning buoy” approximately 150 meters from the Life Guard Tower at the top off Burleigh Point, as they make their final dash for the dry sand finish line.

Short Course – 5-6kms
This race is the perfect set-up for the novice to the non-serious SUP Paddler looking to achieve personal goals or to challenge your friends. Starting at Currumbin Alley, paddlers will head north along the Palm Beach strip toward a turning buoy off Burleigh Beach. They too will take a final line to the shore for a dry sand finish line. Approximately 5-6kms of brilliant Gold Coast inshore scenery!

Technical Surf Battle – 3 x 1.5km Laps
The “Technical Surf Battle” is a short surf style sprint race where competitors negotiate multiple buoy turns in and out through the waves. Set in the testing beach conditions of beautiful Burleigh Heads, the skills and fitness will certainly be measured to crown new division champions.
With a Le Mans Racer Start, competitors will start beside their craft at the water’s edge before a short sand sprint to collect their paddle. They will then return to their board, don leashes and commence the “Technical Surf Battle” course. This is one of the most exciting formats of SUP and Prone Racing where the spectators are front and centre amongst the action.

The Top 2 Men and Top 2 Women (who are not pre-qualified for the 2021 APP World Tour) will earn their place on the prestigious World Championship Tour division of the APP World Tour.