Hawaiian Zane Schweitzer has just won the inaugural SUP Foil category race in the 26 mile (42 km) Pailolo Channel crossing from Maui to Moloka’i as part of the 2018 M2M Crossing, in doing so he set a new channel crossing record time, and won the overall classification, beating all other crafts including traditional outriggers, surf skis and unlimited SUPs!
The Maui based waterman raced with the Starboard 6’9″ x 23″ Hyper Nut Carbon with a GoFoil Iwa just beneath the surface. Zane wasn’t alone in completing giving credit to his family and friends for their support in helping him realize this dream. He was also pushed hard all the way to the finish line by mentor and friend Dave Kalama.
The wind started to die and the swell dropped too as we neared our finish at Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai, and I knew this was a good time for me to take advantage of the hard sprint, interval and pump training Larry Cain (Paddle Monster) has had me on for the past 3 months. Shortly after the wind and swell died off, we then felt the wind in our face – with almost 4 miles still to go!”
“I kept sprinting and pumping and flying for short burst as much as I could, through my cramps and exhaustion until finally, my board touched down for the last time and I was unable to get airborne again, to paddle home the last 2 miles or so on my 6’9” Hyper Nut and Iwa GoFoil both fully submerged. Dave was on an even shorter board than mine so I just had to keep going, padding and grinding, knowing that uncle Dave was also pushing water and pulling a foil.”
“It was a tough paddle when landing in those last roughly 2 miles of flats, leaving me to drag the foil on only a 6’9” SUP after pumping for hard for 23 miles, but man, was it a fun session and run filled with countless epic full-speed drops and rides I couldn’t even time they were so long!!”He concluded by adding “A big mahalo to my team for the support firstly to my Dad and his crew on the escort boat, Uncle Joe and uncle Scott Shoemaker, my coaches Larry Cain (Paddle Monster), Uncle Braddah Kamansi (Native Action) and my brother Matty Schweitzer! Also mahalo to my supporters and sponsors for the best equipment, Starboard with the 6’9” HyperNut, GoFoil Iwa, 5’ Revolwe BioLeash, VestPak Hydration, and as well Kim Yap and Donica Shouse for the meal prep and race fuel!”
21 Aug 2024
Starboard ambassador Wim Pyl, founder of Mangata Adventure, a Belgium-based organization focused on combining adventure sports with environmental advocacy recently completed a remarkable 5-day SUP expedition in the Italian Alps. Driven by his commitment to environmental conservation, Pyl set out to explore the highest alpine lakes, collecting and analyzing water and snow samples for microplastics. […]
14 Aug 2024
Ke’ale Dorries, a dynamic force in the SUP world, is joining the Starboard Dream Team (again!), marking a significant milestone in her career. Hailing from the vibrant Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Ke’ale has spent over 15 years mastering the ocean, competing both locally and internationally. With a deep connection to her SUP community, she […]
8 Jul 2024
Preparations for the 2024 ISA SUP and Paddleboard Championship, taking place from September 16-22 in Copenhagen, Denmark, are gaining momentum. The event will feature a variety of exciting side activities celebrating sport, music, culture, and food, all part of the Copenhagen Paddle Festival surrounding the championships. A highlight of the festival is the eagerly awaited […]
1 Jun 2024
Au World SUP Festival de Barcelone, les courses de SUP foil ont été largement dominées par un certain Clément Colmas. Clément, SUP racer accompli, a plongé dans le foil depuis le début, que ce soit en wing ou maintenant en SUP foil. Et pour le meilleur : car c’est avec 10 minutes d’avance sur le […]
7 May 2024
The release of Starboard’s new Deluxe Lite construction marks a significant milestone in the realm of inflatable paddle boards, offering a blend of innovation, performance, and convenience. This latest addition to Starboard’s lineup is poised to redefine the standards of premium entry-level constructions, boasting an array of features designed to enhance both functionality and user […]
24 Apr 2024
The 2nd edition of the Battle for Hercules emerged as a pivotal battleground for two Starboard riders, each hailing from distinct corners of Spain’s vibrant coastline. Alba Frey, a formidable force from the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, defied expectations with a stunning victory, cementing her status as an underdog to watch. Meanwhile, Aaron Sanchez, representing […]
3 Apr 2024
Carsten Linnet Sørensen, a pivotal figure within the Danish Surf & SUP Federation, has been deeply immersed in Denmark’s SUP scene since 2012. His journey from competitor to organizer showcases a passion for fostering the sport’s growth. Spearheading the Danish SUP Tour, Carsten orchestrates a series of races spanning diverse water conditions across Denmark. With […]
13 Mar 2024
Last weekend, Mangalore provided the perfect venue for the APP’s first step in India with the APP-sanctioned India Paddle Festival. The India Paddle Festival is the first step for international Stand Up Paddling in the region and Sasihithlu Beach provided the absolutely perfect venue to showcase the sport. A magical mix of Ocean and River […]
11 Mar 2024
Andrey Kraytor, 2 x Sprint Canoe world champion, continues to stir things up in the Stand Up Paddling world both as an athlete and as the manager for the thriving venture Union Paddlers. Not only did Kraytor secure a bronze medal at the last ICF SUP World Championships in the 200m sprints, but he also […]
