Lenny & Anderson Secure 2013 World Titles

Kai Lenny (Naish) from Maui went into the Final day of competition behind: a disappointing 4th place finish in the long distance created even more of a challenge for him to defend his World Title, as Connor Baxter (Starboard), had the points advantage from the events leading into the Finals, as well as a 3rd place in the long distance race on Day 1. However, with rising surf and dead winds, it was all to play for, as the day would provide some of the most spectacular and high octane racing action ever witnessed. Both Kai and Connor made it through to the Finals, with Kai needing to win and Connor to take 6th or worse in the Final heat of the day in order for Kai to take the title: given Connor Baxter's incredible form all year, this seemed like a daunting task to say the least.

However, the two lap course provided the ultimate equalizer, as the biggest set of the day came through on the final leg, as the heat leader Kai Lenny dropped into a solid 6ft, more or less unmakeable wave....only to go down right under the lip..... Meanwhile, Connor Baxter stumbled on the first leg and was lying in 7th place, as this set came through, as it tore through the race course and took out the first 5 athletes. After taking sets on the head and scrambling to find his paddle and get back up, Kai Lenny maintained his composure and then embarked on a dramatic race to the finish line aloingside young French phenom, Arthur Arutkin (Fanatic). It was to be Kai's day, as the young Champion managed to secure the win in the sprints, second overall for the event and the overall World Title for 2013 - an incredible performance from this young Champion from Maui who just turned 21 this week.

Annabel Anderson takes the overall World Title for 2013

Annabel Anderson (Starboard) from New Zealand has had an incredible year this year, dominating every single event she has entered and stringing together an impressive list of bullet wins on the 2013 Stand Up World Series. Coming into the Final event of the year, Annabel had done enough to secure the overall World Title and due to injury, was unable to compete on the day in the World Series Finals. Although disappointed not to be able to compete, Annabel was happy to watch the impressive field of women talent take to the incredible conditions at the Turtle Bay and celebrated with the entire fleet at the World Series banquet at Kuilima Point.A big congratulations goes out to Annabel Anderson for another stunning year on the Stand UP World Series and for defending her World Championship Title successfully.

Kauai's Mariko Strickland reigns supreme at Turtle Bay

Mariko Strickland (Naish) from Kauai put on an outstanding performance this weekend at Turtle Bay, winning the long distance race from Turtle Bay to Haleiwa on Saturday and then finishing in second in the dramatic World Series Sprint Racing. The light winds and surf driven conditions suited this ever impressive talent from Kauai perfectly, as she navigated both days of racing flawlessly and narrowly missed out on a win in the Sprint Racing too, with a tie breaker between her and Olivia Piana (Fanatic) from France. There is no doubt that Mariko is a real talent to watch out for in 2014 on the Stand up World Series, but also the Surfing World Tour, so stay tuned and watch her progress.

Unofficial Event Results

Men’s Sprint Results:

1. Kai Lenny (Naish) Hawaii 
2. Arthur Arutkin (Fanatic) France
3. Jake Jensen (Fanatic) Australia
4. Paul Jackson (Fanatic) Australia
5. Mo Freitas (Focus SUP/Body Glove)

Overall Event:

1. Jake Jensen (Fanatic) Australia
2. Kai Lenny (Naish) Hawaii
3. Paul Jackson (Fanatic) Australia
4. Connor Baxter (Starboard) Hawaii
5. Casper Steinfath (Naish) Denmark

Women's Sprint Results:

1. Olivia Piana (Fanatic) France
2. Mariko Strickland (Naish) Hawaii
3. Angela Jackson (Fanatic) Australia
4. Halie Harrison (Focus SUP) Hawaii
5. Noelani Sach (Starboard) Germany

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