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November 11, 2011

2nd Annual Escape from Coffin Island

2nd Annual Escape from Coffin Island
Downwind Puerto Rico SUP Championships
WPA international sanctioned event

Conditions were not conducive for a downwind competition as the “no wind” downwind PR SUP Championships instead made for a flat and hot paddle compared to our consistent E trade winds and sizeable swell, although the calmer conditions allowed more novice racers to compete. Participants from all over Puerto Rico and a heavy contingent from FL along with a few tourists also enjoyed the elite and open class races which made for a truly exciting event, for both competitors and spectators alike. When the results came in, the first place men’s prize and overall win went to Elvin Maldonado on an unlimited MHL custom board, who finished in 1:27:40. Heather Baus placed 1st overall for the woman in a time of 1:35:35 also riding a custom MHL 12’6. Out of the 53 elite competitors we had one of the largest woman showings in the elite race with 17 ladies of which 10 were on the 12’6 race class! Nine year old Savannah Baus and 12 year old Bobby Flynn were the youngest competitors and both completed their first elite race. Bobby finished in just over 2 hours and Savannah in a time of 2:16:40 and both riding their custom mhl 10’6 race boards. Impressive!

While the Elite and Open classes raced the kids were chaperoned by Ivette Delina for some seashell painting on the beach which would later be part of the trophies for the kids races. The Open class division raced 3 miles inside the tarpon filled waters of the PYFC Harbor and Marina. First overall Open class male finisher went to Pablo Cabral and first overall woman was Rosaly Garcia.

In the kids races 8 years and under first boy went to Juan Mari and first girl went to Camila Ramirez as they did a standing water start and went about 100 yards around a buoy and back. In the 9 and over the kids had to sprint down the beach and jump on the their boards that the “parent caddies” were holding and sprint paddle about 200 yards around a buoy and back. First boy was Kyle Fink and first girl went Mei Gin Choi. Future champs and open class racers!

Post race festivities included some great food, music, drinks, awards and raffle prizes. The energy was incredible and all are looking forward to the 3rd annual Escape from Coffin Island.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors contributing to this event and for the PYFC letting us host this race at such a beautiful venue and to race organizers Heather & Jim Baus.

Thanks to all the Sponsors: Don Q rum, Medalla beer, Kialoa paddles, Hinano, John Deere, On It Pro, Allison Race Fins, Raw Elements sunscreen, Maui Jim sunglasses, Island Venture ferry, Sweetwater wear, Distressed Mullet, The Hot Potato, Stand Up Paddle Magazine, Ramada Ponce hotel, LaRegata magazine and the World Paddle Association (WPA).