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September 26, 2017

Connor Baxter and Annabel Anderson tame the Bay, Battle of the Bay!

Connor Baxter and Annabel Anderson put on a clinic at the 2017 Battle of the Bay race in both the distance and technical races, the final regular season race on the World SUP Tour in 2017.  With the finale at the Pacific Paddle Games on September 30th and October 1st, Connor and Annabel collected valuable points in hopes of being crowned 2017 WST Champion and the Salt Life Cup bonus money.

The 7th annual Battle of the Bay conducted at Crissy Field in San Francisco, CA, competitors of all levels in the Open, Juniors, Groms and Elite races enjoyed the views of the Golden Gate bridge while racing around Alcatraz Island and in front of the city on the bay.  With several races to chose from depending on the paddlers ability, the Elite and 8.5 mile distance competitors raced around the South Tower of the Golden Gate bridge and the iconic Alcatraz Island, which very few have ever experienced.  The Open competitors enjoyed a tame 7.5 mile distance race up the shoreline and around Alcatraz Island.  Competitors were than treated to enjoyable shoreline technical races in the afternoon along Crissy Field and the legendary St. Francis Yacht Club.  Most competitors competed in the combined distance and technical races that determined an overall winner in all board classes and age groups, as well as the Elite competitors.

Connor, won over a deep field of competitors with two victories over the Aussie dual of Michael Booth in second and Matt Nottag in third overall.  Annabel like Connor, dominated the field of Women competitors with two victories and bested Terrene Black in second and April Zilg in third overall.  The Battle of the Bay set the stage for the finale at the Pacific Paddle Games with Connor moving into second place overall, 2,750 points behind the leader Titouan Puyo for the WST title with Annabel holding a commanding 5,250 point lead over April Zilg in second.  With 10,000 points going to the winner of the PPG Elite Technical race, conditions could help determine the outcome like in past years that requires competitors to manage the surf, buoy turns and timing waves to increase or gain distance on the competition.

Full Battle of the Bay results (click link):

BOB Open Combined Race Results_2017  BOB Open Distance Race Results_2017     Elite Combined Race Results_2017    Open_Juniors Techincal Race Results_2017

If you have not competed at the Battle of the Bay, treat yourself next year to a great race run by Steve Pugh and his staff, Nico at Blue Rush Sports, Fone, Salt Life and enjoy the great town of San Francisco.  Look for updated standings with the World SUP Tour and the Salt Life Cup on www.worldpaddleassociation.com