Dublin Bay SUP Classic - Battle for the Bay 2017
Posted: 30 May 2017
The 19-21st May 2017 saw the 11th Battle for The Bay and 6th Dublin Bay SUP Classic return to Clontarf as Irelands Largest Water Sports and Beach Festival hit Dollymount Strand, with over 40,000 people attending.
The event is organised by ASI Master SUP Trainer, Paul Byrne of Irish SUP.
It’s always a great weekend of all things SUP and kite surfing, but also an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
Weather and conditions were great for both disciplines and a schedule that allowed for lots of social interaction and a party, with 40,000 people decideing to come and join us on the beach over the weekend, there must have been nobody left in the city!
The Red Paddle Dragon Board Racing event
The festival kicked off Friday night on Clontarf seafront with a new event for the festival. The Red Paddle Dragon Board Racing event. These 22ft boards are ridden by a team of 4 riders and with head to head battles nine teams did battle over a short but challenging course. The laughter and craic had by all was infectious and a great way to kick off the weekend. Team O’Rourke, and Team Harbour SUP and Sail from Enniscrone made their way to the final with Dublin’s Team O’Rourke the victors. Big thanks to Lucy from Red Paddle for bringing these to us in Dublin, and for her help and assistance all weekend.
Technical Beach Race
Saturday morning saw the Technical Beach Race. This race was twice around a 2km technical course with small surf and lots of buoy turns. Some struggled to remember the course while others took advantage but all were focused on giving their all to try score maximum points that go towards the overall Lord and
Lady of the Bay title.
The men’s race was a battle between local racer Peter Kosisinki and Hawaiian Zane Schweitzer, with Zane taking the victory in a little over 1 minute ahead of Peter, and young Ross McGarry having the race of his life to take third.
In the ladies’ event Maria Coleman paddled strong to take the victory from Sarah Gannon in second, and young Mia Hamilton finishing in third with a superb performance from a girl so young. Definitely one to watch for the future.
Sunday morning brought us into Dublin’s city centre to do battle on the River Liffey. This 8km course brought the racers up the centre of the city under the iconic bridges of the city and conditions were perfect. Sunshine and light winds made this a pleasurable experience for all.
The men’s race was led from the start by Peter with Ross, Keith McGuirk, Keith Gorman and David Mangan battling it out for the remaining two places on the podium. Ross’s winter of training down under stood him in good stead, allowing him to finish second, and Keith McGuirk took third. The ladies race was dominated by Sarah from the start with a very strong performance from her to take the win. Lucy Hamilton also paddled strong to easily take second, and Claire McDonald getting herself onto the podium taking third with a great performance.
Unfortunately, the wind kicked in shortly after and it was time for the kiters to take centre stage. The SUP Survivor was cancelled on safety grounds and it was time to chill for the racers before the presentation of prizes and awards.
Points from the weekends SUP races were tallied up and this year’s Lord and Lady of the Bay went to Peter Kosisinki and Sarah Gannon. Two awesome ambassadors for Irish Stand Up, and well deserved victors.
Big thanks must go to the PURE MAGIC Team for providing the platform for these races to take place. Also to the SUP event sponsors who every year are so generous with helping provide prizes for the racers. SUPskin, Hippo Stick Paddles, Coco Ridge Coconut Water, Mystic, Red Paddle Boards, Huku Balance Boards and Dave Owens for the superb handmade trophies. Thank you to Dublin Fire Brigade and Mikee Hamilton for keeping us all safe. Thanks to team IrishSUP for all their help running this awesome event, thank you Dave, Sarah, Ross, Alan and Rachael.
WEEKENDS RESULTS:
DRAGON BOARD RACE:
1. Team O’Rourke
2. Team Harbour SUP & Sail.
TECHNICAL BEACH RACE:
LADIES:
1. Maria Coleman.
2. Sarah Gannon.
3. Mia Hamilton.
MENS:
1. Zane Schweitzer.
2. Peter Kosisinki.
3. Ross McGarry.
LIFFEY CROSSING:
LADIES:
1. Sarah Gannon.
2. Lucy Hamilton.
3. Claire McDonald.
MENS:
1. Peter Kosisinki.
2. Ross McGarry.
3. Keith McGuirk.
LADY OF THE BAY 2017:
Sarah Gannon.
LORD OF THE BAY 2017:
Peter Kosisinki.
Photo credit to Paul Doogue photography and Frame to Frame.
See Photos on ASI facebook
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