Yallingup's Richard Wain was one of ten to be crowned Stand Up Paddleboard State Champions at the final event of the North Freo Stand Up Surf Shop WA SUP Titles concluded in Geraldton over the weekend.
The wave-rich Batavia coastline provided some of WA's best SUP riders with two days of clean and consistent swells, as an all-star field of competitors challenged each other for the chance to qualify for the Australian SUP Titles to be held on Phillip Island, Victoria in October.
Geraldton, a destination that has become synonymous with Stand Up Paddleboarding since hosting the Australian SUP Titles back in 2016, once again transformed into a SUP winter wonderland, with ideal waves and conditions on offer for competitors who made the pilgrimage north for this all important final event.
Gracetown's Rick Jakovich made a welcome return to the SUP State Titles, showing his prowess to claim victory in the blue-ribbon Open Men's division.
The former State and National Champion, showed his versatility and flowed with great speed through every turn, posting an impressive two-wave total of 17.33 (from a possible 20), which included a near perfect 9.50 (from a possible 10) in the final.
"I love it up here in Geraldton," Jakovich said.
"I won an Aussie Title out here in 2016 and have always loved this location it's perfect for riding a SUP."
The standard of competition remained high across all other divisions including the hotly contested Over-40 Men's division.
Karrinyup's Darron McNab claimed his maiden SUP State Championship with a close and hard fought win.
McNab was able to hold off Coogee's Geoff Parsons, Marcus Tardrew from Scarborough and Rick Jakovich from Gracetown.
Jamie Ralston from Bicton proved to be the best of the big board riders, snatching an impressive double win in the rapidly expanding 10ft plus SUP divisions.
Ralston was too strong for all comers on his massive craft, winning both the Open Men's and Over 50 Men's 10ft State Titles.
"It's been one of those classic weekend's that all competitors hope for," Ralston said.
"Great waves, good conditions and to walk away with multiple Titles, it doesn't get much better than that."
Wain defended his Over 60 Men's SUP State Title in style over Peter Bevan from Fremantle and Kurt Grainger from Mandurah.
Karridale's Isaac Nettlebeck claimed the Under-18 Junior State Title over Yallingup's Ryder Vernon who was on fire in Geraldton.
Gracetown's Rick Jakovich claimed the West Coast Suspensions Wave of the Weekend for a near perfect 9.50 (from a possible 10) in the Open Men's final.
"I'd like to congratulate all our 2021 SUP State Champions and our event champions who impressed no end in great waves," Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Majeks said.
"Geraldton definitely turned it on and made up for some tricky conditions we experienced in Mandurah back in June. Thanks to all our competitors and supporters for a great series and I wish our WA State Team representatives the best of luck at the Australian SUP Titles."
After two successful events in Mandurah and in Geraldton, attentions now turn towards best preparing the WA SUP Team for the upcoming National Titles, scheduled to take place in Victoria in late October.
Surfing WA acknowledges the State Government's support through the Road Safety Commission and reminds all our traveling competitors and families of the dangers of sending a text message or using a mobile phone while behind the wheel - Remember #NoTxtNoWrecks.
For more information log onto www.surfingwa.com.au and check out all the Surfing WA social media platforms for event updates.