In this article I will go thru small things that might have big impact on your position in an SUP Distance Race. I will not go into detail about training, strategy or technique.
Conditions
What are the expected conditions on the race course. Train in similar conditions and make sure you and your equipment are up to it. Messy open ocean conditions are a different beast compared to calm flat water conditions.
SUP Distance Race Start
Is the starting line on the water or on a beach? This makes a huge impact how you should prepare. On the start you should give your 100% and then feather off for the first kilometer. I started wining distance races only after I was not afraid to go all out in the starts no matter what length the race was.
Difference is big if you are on the top five or in the messy water behind or in the middle of everyone. Winning positions in the start is much easier than during the race.
Beach Start
If the race starts with an beach start, practice beach starts before the race. Figure out what is the best way to hold your board and paddle. If there is wind you need to be able to control your board when running. In head wind it is usually better to point the nose of the board down. You don’t want to catch wind under your board.
Test out what is depth of water you are comfortable running in. I’m not a fast runner so i always try to hop on my board as soon as possible. If you have long legs and you are a fast sprinter you might want to run in to deeper water.
Always wade around in the beach start are to check if there is deeper and shallower spots. Many times in sandy beaches there are deep holes near shore and then in gets shallower again. Many times i have seen racers go down on these holes. Also if you hop on your board in these holes you might not be able to paddle across the shallower areas.
Pick your place on the start line carefully. Also take in consideration where is the first turn. Do you want to be on the inside or outside.
Water Start
If the start is on the water. Check if it is a standing or sitting start. Practice jumping up on your board from sitting position. On a deep dugout board sitting on the board is not that comfortable. Usually if it’s a sitting start you need to astraddle your board.
Same thing as in beach start choose your position on starting line wisely.
Drafting
On Distance races drafting can be half the race. Practice drafting from behind and side of training partners board. Behind drafting is easier. There usually is two drafting positions from behind. The best place usually is when you put the nose of your board around 0.5m or closer from the end of the board you are drafting. I you are drafting a bigger paddler there is usually good draft about 1.5m behind also. Try to get to the same paddling rhythm as the paddler that you are drafting. Switch paddling sides same at the same time. If you are drafting efficiently you are doing 10-15% less work.
Fight early in the race for a good draft. Usually drafts get broken in turns and waves.
You get the best draft from a paddler that usually is little faster than you. Communicate with the pack you are in. Take turns at the pin to pull away or gain distance to other packs of paddlers.
SUP Distance Race: Course
Learn the race course before the race. Go to the race area to look for landmarks that you can use during the race.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even small details can significantly affect your SUP distance race position. Train in similar conditions to the race, practice starts according to whether it’s on water or beach, and master the art of drafting to conserve energy and gain an edge. Familiarize yourself with the race course beforehand for a smooth and strategic race.
The best way to get faster on SUP Distance races is to participate in many as possible. You will do mistakes and learn from them. You will learn the best way to get yourself ready and how you handle the extra stress of competing. Imitate racing conditions and occurrences in your training.