SUP state team revealed

SURFING Victoria has announced the 2022 Victorian Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) state team thast will strive for gold at October’s Australian SUP Titles at Phillip Island.

The event will bring together the nation’s best SUP surfers and racers who will all compete for a spot in the national team heading to the ISA World SUP Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Athletes to earn a spot in the Surfing Victoria state team include Jan Juc father-son pair Matt and John Takle, former SUP surfing champion Emma Webb (Torquay), and Mark Robbins who will represent the state in the Open Men’s field.

Reigning Open Men’s state champion Matt Takle is looking forward to heading back to Phillip Island and hoped to take his form from the Victorian qualifying event into the national competition.

“It’s going to be great heading back to Phillip Island and to mix it with the best SUP surfers from across the country for the first time since 2019,” Takle said.

“We’ve always had fantastic waves at Phillip Island for the Australian Titles, hopefully I can win some heats and continue the form I’ve had in the Victorian Titles and clinch the Australian Open Men’s championship.”

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said the team was well geared up for the 2022 event and expressed his sense of excitement the event was back in Phillip Island after three years of pandemic interruptions.

“We are thrilled to see some incredible Victorian SUP surfers and racers represent Victoria again this year.

“Phillip Island has not only some incredible waves, but also amazing long distance paddle courses.

“We are looking forward to seeing the Victorian Team compete and do the state proud.”

Athletes will compete across surfing, marathon and technical racing divisions during the event.

The event kicks off on Tuesday, October 4.