ELITE INTERNATIONAL FIELD OF COMPETITORS ANNOUNCED
The official start of the 2015 ISA World Championship Series is rapidly approaching with the opening event to be held in the quaint, coastal village of Sayulita, Mexico. The 2015 ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC) will make history as the first ISA SUP World Championship to ever take place in Mexico.
The competition is heating up as nations announce their rosters. Notably, Hawaii is making their first appearance at the ISA WSUPPC. Australia, who has won the Gold Medal in all three years of the contest, will return in 2015 to defend their title. Other nations, such as USA, South Africa, Spain, France, and New Zealand, have announced their teams, looking for a Gold Medal of their own.
From May 10 to the 17, Sayulita will become the epicenter of StandUp Paddle (SUP) and Paddleboard, receiving the top athletes on the planet. The competitors will have the opportunity to showcase their talents while having the honor of representing their respective nations as they battle for the Gold Medals.
Team Hawaii has thrust their name into Gold Medal contention in large part due to the inclusion of powerhouse SUP racer Connor Baxter. Baxter has a long list of prestigious SUP accomplishments, such as winning the renowned Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Race three times, and will look to win his first ISA Gold Medal. Further strengthening Team Hawaii are Zane Schweitzer and Mo Freitas.
As the defending Team Champion, Australia will face the toughest competition to date. However, they will be bringing back strong performers from the 2014 contest in Nicaragua including: Jackson Close, Jordan Mercer, and Beau Nixon, which will give them a solid chance to keep the Gold Medal down under.
Nipping on the heels of Australia will be 2014 Team Silver Medalist USA, who has made some key additions to their roster and have their sights set on the Team Gold Medal as well. USA added top athletes Danny Ching, Candice Appleby, and Izzi Gomez to an already strong group of ISA World Championship veterans.
Silver Medal Team USA on the podium at the 2014 ISA WSUPPC. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweedle
Demonstrating the growth of SUP and Paddleboard worldwide, new teams have confirmed their participation at the 2015 ISA WSUPPC for the first time. Joining Hawaii as newcomers will be Holland and the US Virgin Islands.
“As SUP continues to evolve as one of the fastest growing sports in the world, we are excited that Mexico will host this year’s World Championship in beautiful Sayulita,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “It’s great to see the sport reach new heights with the increased level of competition and the addition of new countries proving the sport’s universality. This ISA World Championship is rapidly growing and the elite athletes globally want to be a part of it.”
The traditional Opening Ceremony for the ISA WSUPPC will commence on May 10th in the town of Sayulita, Mexico, which will feature the traditional Parade of Nations and Sands of the World ceremonies. The competition will begin on the 11th, with the finals, crowning of Individual and Team Champions, and Closing Ceremony on the 17th.
Follow all the action on http://isawsuppc.com where you will be able to watch the live webcast starting on May 10th.
