High Octane Atmosphere at the Taiwan Paddle Games 2019

6 May 2019

Tagged: Sonni Hönscheid, Daniel Hasulyo, Taiwan, Glenn Eldridge, Yu Him Wong, Alan Ng, Aom, Starboard

Last weekend saw the 2nd edition of the Taiwan Paddle Games. The event was organised by the Chinese SUP Sports Association along with Starboard Taiwan. The energy levels were expectantly high with the games hosting a whole range of race divisions and races for all types of paddlers!.

Starboard paddler Daniel Husulyo dominated the men’s race and arrived in 1st place, with British paddler Glenn Eldridge in 2nd place, and right behind him Yu Him Wong. Daniel was super excited with his win telling TotalSUP “We triumphed in Taiwan again! Once again, the atmosphere, the energy on the beach and the race course were all outstanding! I can only compare the passion for for the sport and the passion to New Zealand plus the Tiki that we found here!“

He went on to report that “Maggie, Ricky and their entire crew has welcomed us like family and for 2 days run a show that can only be complimented! The extremely fun Tiki Challenge, an ultra competitive Starship Battle and the actual Distance Races where all packed with participants (double number from last year) and it was nice to see the increase in the level of paddling from the entire Taiwanese SUP community!”

Focusing on his race, Daniel continued “From my side, the focus was on the 12 KM long distance race, where most of Asia’s TOP paddlers showed up to battle. There was a solid crew from HongKong lead by 2017 ICF World Champion Him Wong, young gun Jack Seymour and 2018 HK SUP Champion Alan Ng. Also present was our Starboard Team Rider Glenn from the UK and he managed to pull off a podium finish! I was very happy to made the best out of the conditions and created a solid gap to the field, the course had a bit of everything.

We paddled upwind, sidewind, there were little waves and lots of currents! The race was definitely technical and not especially easy! I am very happy with the result. A special shout out to all the ladies Sonni and Aom for their 1st and 3rd finish! Over all I think Taiwan has the most exciting SUP development of Asia and I’m really happy to see the insane enthusiasm around the sport! Massive thanks to Sai for taking amazing pictures during the event and and a big round of applause to all the finishers! Taiwan ROCKS!!!“

In the women’s race German paddler Sonni fresh from her victory at the Carolina Cup took 1st place. Sonni commented on the race “It’s my first time in Taiwan, this is such a beautiful country, people are really welcoming and there’s a lot off excitement for water sports!! The Taiwan Paddle games were super well organized, very professional. This event has the potential to become a world class event!! From the Starship race, to kids races. It was a full weekend racing, laughs and good times! The Long distance was quite challenging as the wind picked up and there was some strong current. “

Sonni continued “I’m really happy to be able to win this race. I was paddling on the sprint 14 x 23, perfect board for these conditions, and the Lima LTD paddle. Congratulations to all the competitors, see you next year!!”

Results

Mens Long Distance

1. Daniel Hasulyo

2. Glenn Eldridge

3. Yu Him Wong

4. Ngyinglun

5. Jack Kelly Seymour

Womens Long Distance

1. Sonni Honscheid

2. Re-Chi Lee

3. Thanutkhan Soonthonwong (Aom)

High Octane Atmosphere at the Taiwan Paddle Games 2019

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