The King of the Coast - Who's the best paddler in QLD?

This weekend was a great day for QLD Stand up paddlers, with the KOTC run from Point Arkwright (Yaroomba) to Mooloolaba.

This weekend was a great day for Queensland Stand up paddlers, with the King Of The Coast race being run from Point Arkwright (Yaroomba), 19 kilometres downwind to Mooloolaba. Over 200 entrants competed in all paddling disciplines including Stand up paddling, surf ski's, and prone paddleboards, competing in what was described as challenging conditions by the race organisers. 

Causing some slight controversy, the event raised eyebrows when it claimed to be the QLD state titles for Stand up paddling. Sanctioned by QLD Canoeing, many wondered whether they had the authority to name the event as such, especially since SUP Australia are planning their own QLD state titles on the Gold coast later this year. Not to mention the previously held QLD titles by Surfing QLD, although to be fair - that was for Stand up paddle surfing, not racing. 

Aside from the controversy, the event was a massive success for all involved, heaps of paddlers had a ball making the run from Point Arkwright, south to Mooloolaba in a 13-15 knot sea breeze, and 1-3 foot swell. Here's what the SUP co-ordinator Sue had to say about today: