Valle de Bravo, Mexico – July 19, 2013
The first Stand Up Paddle race in the state of Mexico took place in Valle de Bravo last weekend and received a warm welcome from a receptive crowd. The event was a combined effort of Starboard Mexico and Stand Up Paddle Valle de Bravo, with over 40 participants from all ages and ability levels. Red Bull provided the DJ, Starboard Mexico pulled out the Big Top “Tiki” Demo tent and things were off with a bang. The recently ASI certified crew from Stand Up Paddle Mexico were out in full force introducing more than 80 newcomers to the sport.
The Starboard crew had all the flavors of the Starboard race/touring collection layed out and a constant procession of paddlers coming off the water with big smile was a common site. Carbon fiber All Stars, Sprints, 12’6 14ft, and impresive array of the fastest boards in the world on hand for everyone to try. The rain come in around 130 pm so it was time to pack up and bust the mountain bikes for another bike trip with Pablos bikes…
DAY 2
The local kids were great fun to watch in the kids race with youngster Gerrardo from Pecas Marina showed of his impressive “Conner Baxter” style of choking up on the paddle and pulling away from the other kids… Only his fourth time paddling – i asked him where he learned his technique and he said he learned on him own!
Then it all came together when i saw his Dad win the amatuer race and then the rest of the family joined in and won the relay race! A clean sweep for the Pecas Crew! These guys have paddling in their blood! I see a future SUP star coming from Valle de Bravo in the near future..Stay tuned for round #2 in August of the Valle de Bravo SUP Series!