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With SUP continuing to attract more attention and acceptance around the worlds waterways, the
longest running wave sailing event in history (28 years) included a SUP division in their contest
for 2008. The contest was held November 28-30 2008.
The Mambo competition is held at Merimbula, which is in New South Wales on the east coast of Australia. An absolutely stunning piece of coastline and resort town. SUP was a natural inclusion along with windsurfing and Kiting, with the total number of competitors reaching 140(+). When it's windy you either windsurf or kite, and when it's not, you go surf. Far from your standard competition format, there are no heats, and no one really knows who the judges are. Days where it wasn't really happening at the contest site, competitors would go for a cruise to another beach and basically go surfing together. The BBQ's are running all day, with your entry fee including unlimited access the Barbie and a free T-shirt. It's a completely social affair and with SUP still being relatively in its infancy, was good to meet other people from around the country passionate about the sport. Generally pretty small conditions prevailed, until the final Sunday when a river mouth point break turned on. Unfortunately our photographer broke some ribs and missed this session, but it was definitely worth the travel to make it over for this wave. 100m long reeling sand bottom waves at about head high were a treat. And all who experienced this session came in with bug eyes and were shimmering. But at the end it was a competition and there were winners. However everyone who enters the Mambo also walks away with a prize. In the Stand up the one who impressed the most was Matt Lumley from Torquay in Victoria with Starboard rider Michael Galvin from Western Australia coming in second. On third place was Andrew Cassidy from Sydney, NSW. All in all a highly enjoyable event which after it's initial success, is bound to grow in the upcoming years. To quote the inimitable "Henry The Mocha" he praised all those who helped to make such moments happen. "The Merimbula Sailboard Club members were FANTASTIC. Prowsie was a hero (he saved ME) Phil was the Barbecue Guru, captaining his fabulous team of dispensers of steaks, sausages, fish and salads, peppered with good humor. Excellent effort lads. John Smythe proved once again (and this is 28 yrs) that he is the greatest contest director on the planet. Thank you so much old mate. You are THE MASTER!" Scott Mckercher |
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