Stand Up Paddle at Duke's Oceanfest 2011
- Written by Morgan Becker
- Published in News
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
After finishing close to last place in the event two years ago, Alika Willis showed the true spirit of determination and passion for the ocean by finishing first place in this year's SUP Surf-Off.
SUP Surf-Off Finalists L to R: Kaleopa'a, Willis, Vierra & Napoleon. Credit: Bernie Baker.
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HONOLULU, Hawaii - Stand-up paddling (SUP) took center-stage at the 10th Annual Duke's OceanFest celebration in Waikiki on August 26th, with a super-charged series of showcase events in the Go Pro Presents C4 Waterman SUP Surf-Off & SUP Race.
Stand-up paddling, now widely and wildly accepted around the world, was invented by Waikiki's original Beachboys, none more famous than Duke Kahanamoku himself.
Friday's competition covered the gamut from serious surfing and speed-sprint courses to a little SUPZilla tomfoolery thrown in for good record-setting measure.
World class SUP racer Connor Baxter sliced and diced the sprint field; Alika Willis posted a heart-warming surf win; and a hearty workout was had by all aboard the world's largest SUP board 'SUPZilla' as it engulfed the Queens Surf lineup en-route to posting an unofficial world title: Most surfers to ride a wave on one SUP board - 15.
But hype and hilarity aside, the day belonged to Alika Willis, who demonstrated how a passion for the ocean can change your life - something Duke Kahanamoku effectively shared with the world.
Willis entered his first SUP competition at Duke's OceanFest two years ago. He came close to last, but won the prestigious C4 Waterman "Spirit of Duke" Award for sportsmanship and heart.
Two years later, 25 pounds lighter, exponentially fitter, and focused on living everyday with aloha, Willis took first place in the SUP Surf-Off.
Rival competitor and fellow-finalist Kalani Vierra knew how hard Willis had worked for it, however, having helped him to train, focus and shed the pounds leading up to today's events.
Click here for a full list of Friday's results.
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Morgan Becker
After spending the first part of her life in Minnesota, Morgan traded in her snow boots for sandals and moved to sunny California. After graduating with a degree in Communication from The University of Southern California, she eventually made her way down south to San Diego and is taking advantage of the living by the best beaches and burritos California has to offer. If it’s sunny, you can find her at the beach relaxing, or exploring the calm water in the bay via paddleboards and kayaks.
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