A number of Brits were in action on the opening day of the 2024 ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, USA.
The first day of five saw the early rounds of the sprint racing take place at Nathan Benderson Park, looking to qualify for Friday’s heats.
Words: Anna Little
Racing was delayed today due to a storm passing through, however the conditions were good for an afternoon of sprinting.
A 100m straight line course starting from buckets.
In the Open Men’s heats, Will Keetley made it through both preliminary rounds to the next round, whilst Chris McDonald sadly got knocked out in the second preliminary round after winning his first heat.
In the over 50’s, Anna Little won her heat, Annie Ridsdill Smith came 5th and Emma Adams came 4th. All these ladies progress to the quarter-finals on Friday.
In the over 40’s woman, Verity Thomas came 3rd qualifying for the quarter finals.
Sara Maxey lost out on qualifying by 0.3 of a second!
In the over 50’s men, Paul Drake came a strong 3rd and Andrew Tee came 4th, with both men qualifying for the next stage.
In the over 40’s, Chris Freeman, Jonathan Sherwin and Glen Sloss were up against super strong chaps and sadly did not qualify.
The day ended with a spectacular sunset and practice for the sitting starts for the technical course tomorrow with all ages and categories in action.