Athletes Prepare For Battle on World’s Toughest Race Course

SAN FRANCISCO, California – Red Bull Heavy Water, quite possibly the most intense stand up paddling event in the world, will showcase top performing athletes in the ~12km (7.5 mile) course, with an event window from October 15th – November 2nd and prize money totaling $75,000.

The 36 athletes, both male and female, will start from inside San Francisco Bay, paddle under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, against notoriously challenging weather and water conditions, ending with a three-pronged surf battle and finish at Ocean Beach, as part of the 2018 APP World Tour circuit.

XL conditions

2017 World Champion Connor Baxter (HI) will be taking on the likes of Boardworks athlete Mo Freitas (HI), 2017 Red Bull Heavy Water winner Casper Steinfath (DK), Lincoln Dews (AUS), Arthur Arutkin (FRA), current World #1 Michael Booth (AUS), Travis Grant (HI), Ryan Funk (USA), James Casey (AUS), Slater Trout (USA), SIC Maui’s Kody Kerbox (HI) and Martin Vitry (FRA), Kenny Kaneko (JP), Leonard Nika (IT), Kai Lenny (HI), Danny Ching (USA), Zane Schweitzer (HI), Riggs Napoleon (HI), Jake Jensen (AUS), Bullet Obra (HI), Christian Anderson (DK), Itzel Delgado (PER) and Enzo Bennett (TAH).

"Red Bull Heavy Water was hands down the most extreme and challenging SUP event I have ever competed in,” said 2017 Red Bull Heavy Water champion and Naish athlete Casper Steinfath. “The conditions last year pushed me to new limits both mentally and physically. The level of competition has never been higher and I am excited to see the world's top women joining us this year to battle Mother Nature. I will do everything I can to defend my title from last year!"

L: Maxing conditions on hand for the 2017 event. R: Casper Steinfath claiming victory in 2017. | Photos Courtesy: Red Bull

Women to Take On 2018 Red Bull Heavy Water

Red Bull SUP and water-athlete Izzi Gomez will be pulling out all stops against athletes such as 2017 Overall APP World Champion and Starboard athlete Fiona Wylde (USA), 2017 APP World Racing Champion Terrene Black (AUS), 2015 World Champion Candice Appleby (USA), Annie Reickert (HI), Chloe Walkerdene (AUS), Andrea Moller (BRA), Manca Notar (SLOV), Shae Foudy (USA), and Nicole Pacelli (BRA).

“I’m nervous and excited to be taking on this years Red Bull Heavy Water event,” said Australia’s Terrene Black, 2017 APP Racing World Champion. “Last year’s conditions looked real heavy. It’ll be important to prepare wisely for the big surf and the cold water.”

Kai Lenny keeping his composure through the whitewater. | Photo Courtesy: Red Bull

About the 2018 edition of Red Bull Heavy Water

Podium placements will be given to the top three male and top three female finishers. Along with bragging rights, and coveted APP World Tour points, prize money is as follows for both men and women;

First Place - $15,000
Second Place - $7,500
Third Place - $5,000

with a grand total of $75,000 in prize money.

Red Bull Heavy Water 2018 weather window is from October 15th – November 2nd and a 7-day orange light alert, followed by a 5-day green light alert will signify that optimal conditions are in place for the event to run. Red Bull Heavy Water is held in San Francisco, California and all interested parties can visit redbull.com/heavywater for more information.

About the APP World Tour and Waterman League International

The APP World Tour is the Professional World Championship Tour for the Sport of Paddlesurfing (also known as SUP / Stand Up Paddling / Paddleboarding), officially sanctioned by the IOC recognized Federation for Surfing Sports, the ISA (International Surfing Association). Re-branded in 2017 as the APP World Tour (previously known as the Stand Up World Tour and Series) the APP has been crowning the sport’s World Champions for both Men & Women across Racing and Surfing since 2010.

The APP World Tour produces a complete inventory of programming, including live and post produced broadcasts from its events, with distribution to over 100 countries worldwide via premier global networks such as CBS Sports and Fox Sports Asia & Australia. More Information is available at appworldtour.com and fans can follow events @appworldtour on Facebook & Instagram.

For more APP World Tour news click HERE.