The World’s best are joined by over 300 athletes, as the Victoria Cup Hayama Pro kicks off here in Japan
The World’s best athletes have arrived in Japan for stop #2 of the 2015 Stand Up World Series, as we prepare for what will be an intense and exciting weekend of action here at the Victoria Cup Hayama Pro Japan.
WIth over 300 athletes participating in this year’s Japanese leg, we are excited to not only see such a strong international contingent, but also a deep field of up and coming Japanese athletes in both men and women’s divisions. We are looking forward to see what upsets they might be able to create in this World Class field of Stand Up Paddle Stars,
With Connor Baxter (Starboard) and Candice Appleby (Infinity) in the yellow Jerseys, they will have targets on their backs as they prepare to defend their pole position in Japan, with a highly trained and dangerously motivated pack right on their heels. Watch out for the regular names such as Kai Lenny (Naish), Leonard Nika (Starboard), European Cup Champion Casper Steinfath (Naish) and of course Zane Schweitzer (Starboard), but also the likes of Jake Jensen (Fanatic) who is looking for redemption here in Japan after a reletively slow start to the year, and the dark horse who took down the majority of the best of the best in Barcelona back in June, Arthur Arutkin (Fanatic), currently in 3rd place in the Overall Rankings.
Meanwhile in the women’s division, Candice will have her work cut out with the familiar face of Angela Jackson stepping up to do battle in one of her favorite spots, a location where she won last year, but also the ever dangerous Manca Notar (Naish), Celine Guesdon (Bic SUP) and of course the multi-talented Fiona Wylde (Starboard).
You can also definitely not count out the rising stars of Japan such as Kenny Kaneko and Tomoyasu Murabayashi (Starboard), not to mention for the women, the number 2 finisher here in Japan last year, Takayo Yokoyama. These leading athletes along with a whole host of up and coming talent will be looking to make their presences felt at home for this World Series stop in Japan.
Make sure to stay tuned for all the social feeds, updates and highlights across the World Series instagram, Facebook and of course www.watermanleague.com
Scheduled to kick off this morning at 11:30am Japanese time is the 10km Long Distance Race where we will see the athletes take on a multi-lap course fronting the iconic Hayama Harbor. Tomorrow will see the Open fleet 6km race, followed by a 6km Open race and a prestigious social event to cap off too solid days of racing.
It will all then end with the Na Kama Kai Youth Clinic and Open 3km race on Sunday, as we see the world’s best giving their time to the youth of Japan, as they get to experience the unique Na Kama Kai program providing Ocean eductation and fun for all.
Make sure to stay tuned to the social feeds from this groundbreaking second stop of the 2015 World Series here in Japan on Instagram, Facebook and at www.watermanleague.com
Don’t forget, coming up after Japan, from the 26th September to the 4th October, comes the most comprehensive celebration for the sport of stand up paddling held at one of the country’s most iconic beaches, Surf City USA, Huntington Beach California.
With Open Trials and World Tour Main Event Surfing for both Men and Women kicking off on the Opening weekend, not to mention a prestigious Waterman Invitational that will feature shortboarding, longboarding and SUP and celebrate some of Ocean Sports’ greatest legends, the US Open of Stand Up Paddling will kick off in style and run through the 30th September, with a reserve day in case conditions require on the 1st October.
Then on the, 2nd, a prestigious red carpet opening event will kick off a spectacular weekend of racing for all, from the World’s best Professionals battling it out on one of the most excitng and dramatic courses in the sport, just south of the Pier, to Age group Open fleet racing and the Na Kama Kai Youth Championships for both Surfing and Racing, with multiple age group divisions for 16 and unders.
In addition, a Waterman Challenge featuring swimming, prone and SUP will complete what will be a dramatic 8 days of action at the 2015 US Open of Stand Up Paddling at Huntington Beach. Entries are open and vendor spots are still available by going to usopenofstanduppaddling.eventbrite.com for entries and usopenofstanduppaddling-vendor-app.eventbrite.com for vendors.
Above all, make sure to stay tuned for all the build up, special features and then LIVE broadcast coming to you at watermanleague.com
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