YALLINGUP’S Tim Calder has made the most of clean conditions at Rottnest Island to win the Over 50’s Men’s division of the Stand Up Paddle WA Titles last weekend. It was a tightly fought battle for first place with fellow Dunsborough local Richard Wain only 0.09 points behind to claim runner-up in the final. The state champ will be crowned at the next event at the end of May in Denmark. In arguably the best competition waves to grace any SUP surfing event in Australia, the 2017 Rottnest Classic concluded in clean and groomed four-to-five feet peaks on WA’s favourite holiday island. The blue-ribbon Rottnest Classic open men’s final saw 2016 State Champion Jake Jakovich take on former AFL player Dave Muir in an all West Australian affair. Jakovich was in rhythm with the ocean swells during the 30-minute final, using priority perfectly to stroke into the best waves on offer and unleash his impressive backhand repertoire. Jakovich scored a perfect 10-point ride and back it up with a 9.23 to post the highest combined total of the event. “This was definitely the event I wanted to win,” Jakovich said. “To score the waves we’ve had over the past few days is like a dream come true for any surfer.”
Shakira Westdorp again proved her status as Australia’s best female SUP rider, with her third consecutive victory at the Rottnest Classic. Westdorp was in a league of her own scoring a 9.33 and 8.60 to finish on a two-wave combined total of 17.93 (from a possible 20). Westdorp was graceful and powerful all at once, using a strong forehand and stylish backhand to dominant the Strickland Bay line-up. Hot Spot: Yallingup Mainbreak on Thursday.
