News & Events
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27.000 spectators at the 1. JEVER SUP World Cup Hamburg - Hawaiian and German are winner of the
professional race.
Hamburg, 12th of July 2009 27.000 spectators, 143 participants, six proud winner, a lot of new infected Stand Up Paddler, an easygoing surf atmosphere amidst the Hamburg HafenCity, high spirited after show party's, action on the water of the Elbe and a lot of fun - short, the 1. JEVER SUP World Cup Hamburg 2009 was a thorough success. Thereto Matthias Neumann, CEO of the organizing agency ACT AGENCY: "We look back at three great event days, with a fabulous feedback of spectators. The actives were excited and would love to have more events in this new trend sport on such a high level. In the new city district, the HafenCity, we found a perfect location and we definitively want to come back with the JEVER SUP World Cup next year. " Athletically, this Sunday was the day of big decisions. In the sprint final of the amateurs over 2.000 meters, Marina Wagner from Hamburg and Daniel Weiß from Rostock were able to paddle at the head and left their competitors without any chances behind. Marina Wagner knows exactly what she wants to do with her price money (750, - Euro). "I always wanted to go to Hawaii, to have a look at the roots of SUP. This is where I will invest my money to. " In the energy -sapping final of the professional race over ten kilometres, the Hawaiian STRABOARD rider Ekolu Kalama (54:51 minutes) and the German Sonni Hönscheid (63:04 minutes) took front rank again. The triumph in the long-distance was their second success at the 1. JEVER SUP World Cup Hamburg already. The day before both of them won the first place in the sprint distance (2.000 meter). Their names should better be remembered in the future of SUP. All information and further pictures can be found under www.supworldcup.de. |
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Ekolu's Report: Hamburg, Germany was a beautiful city with friendly people. 27,000 fans were in attendance and although most of them have never witnessed stand-up paddling before, they were eager to touch our boards and paddles and learn as much as possible. There were lots of takers willing to try it out for the first time. All in all, it was the best stand-up paddle event that I've been to. Winning the 200 meter sprint was fun but the 10,000 meter distance race was punishment. 54 minutes of pain. I was so happy the race was over that I threw up my arms across the finish, not in victory, but in relief. The competition was stiff but it was only the first year and a lot of the top guys weren't able to attend. Next year the bar will be raised 10 fold. I guess I have two official SUP racing "world titles" now to go along with my three unofficial world titles so it feels good. Molokai to Oahu is in two weeks and that race means more to me than the World Cup. Then there's the Battle of the Paddle in October so there's still much more to accomplish. When I win Molokai and Dana Point then I'll be satisfied, but not until then. I think Europe will be the new racing mecca for stand-up. The Germans know how to do it! They put me in front of cameras, hounded me for autographs, placed me high on podiums, and "showed me the money". Like Brian Talma says, "that's ACTION!!!" Thanks Jever and Naish for putting on a great event! Ekolu Kalama John's report: The SUP world cup in Hamburg was truly amazing. The race site was perfect and it allowed some great places for spectators. It was great to paddle beneath the bridges packed with spectators cheering us on. The atmosphere between the competitors was good too. Everyone was really friendly. I had some close battles with Paul Jackson and it was great to be able to shake hands at the end and share a Jever Beer. The city sup concept is something that I think can work all over the place. It works so well to bring the sport to te attention of a lot of people. As much as I love to ride waves, paddling on flat water also captivates me and is so good for fitness. The racing engages my competitive brain and makes for great spectating. Thanks to Jever and all event sponsors and organsisers. A big thanks to Starboard for making the best boards. John Hibbard |
