2017 Line Up Complete for The Ultimate Waterman

SOUTHLAND, New Zealand - The eighth and final athlete has been confirmed for The Ultimate Waterman, which will take place in Southland, New Zealand from April 1-9. Californian Chuck Glynn will join the field for an epic test of skill, strength and spirit as the athletes tackle eight disciplines in nine days, in what will be some of the most rugged and spectacular conditions they’ve ever encountered.

An all-round Waterman, Chuck specializes in Stand-Up racing and was first introduced to SUP by The Ultimate Waterman ambassador Laird Hamilton, in 2008. “I was coming back from knee surgery and was side lined from surfing competition. As soon as I started in SUP, I was hooked!” he said.

Glynn’s participation completes the field for 2017. He joins defending champion and Starboard athlete Zane Schweitzer (HAW), Daniel Kereopa (NZL), Connor Baxter (HAW), SIC Maui athlete Caio Vaz (BRA), Manoa Drollet (PYF), and fellow newcomers Coco Nogales (MEX) and Jackson Maynard (AUS).

Greg Townsend, CEO of The Ultimate Waterman, is thrilled to have a world class field of Watermen assembling in Southland. “The athletes come from diverse backgrounds and each has a unique skill set. It’s going to be fascinating to see their different areas of expertise collide and find out who comes out on top as The Ultimate Waterman”, Townsend said.

Returning to compete in the event for the second time, world number one SUP paddler Connor Baxter says “this event challenges the athletes mentally and physically in every way - it is an ultra-waterman marathon!”

Chuck Glynn. | Photo Courtesy: Laird Stand Up

Now in its third year, The Ultimate Waterman will again see the athletes chasing the best surf and conditions around the region to compete in eight events. The events are; big wave paddle in surfing, outrigger, longboard, shortboard, stand-up paddle, SUP endurance, underwater strength run and swim, and prone paddle boarding.

They’ll also experience all the unique aspects of life in the Deep South, with its bounty of seafood, array of wildlife and challenging conditions. The athletes and The Ultimate Waterman will also team up with Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand to put on a surfing experience for children with the illness.

Red Bull Media House will film the event for redbull.tv.

To see more news and highlights from The Ultimate Waterman, click HERE.

About Southland:

Southland, one of the largest regions in New Zealand, boasts a rugged coastline of 3,400 kilometres and an array of lakes, mountains and open plains. Colac Bay is one of the top surf spots in the country where consistent waves are present all year round thanks to its exposed beach break, while Curio Bay may give the opportunity to surf alongside the resident hectors’ dolphins. Home to the world famous Bluff oysters, Southland is a place of incomparable and unique beauty, countless species of native wildlife and friendly locals.

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