Stand Up World Series 2015 Finals – Day1 Long Distance Race
Connor Baxter takes victory in the long distance on Day 1 of the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay presented by Naish
Connor-downwind.215041 Connor Baxter takes victory in the long distance on Day 1 of the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay ©supworldmag.com / watermanleague
The first day of the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay saw Starboard paddler Connor Baxter dominate in the long distance race to take the well deserved victory.
Steady tradewinds, pumping NNW swell, and intermittant rain squalls provided some dramatic conditions for the World’s best, as they battled their way down the iconic 13 mile iconic course from Turtle Bay to Haleiwa.
Connor took the lead early, and then steadily built on his lead to finish just over 4 minutes ahead of 2nd place finisher and current ratings leader Kai Lenny (Naish).
With the World Title in the balance, it will all come down to the wire here on the final day of competition here at Turtle Bay with the infamous World Series Sprints, a day that will decide not only the overall event win, but the 2015 World Title.
Kai Lenny finishes in 2nd, keeping his Title hopes alive here at the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay, presented by Naish
Kai Lenny finishes in 2nd, keeping his Title hopes alive here at the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay, ©supworldmag.com / watermanleague
Kai Lenny (Naish) came into today as the Ratings Leader, with 2 wins out of 3 this year and a solid track record here at the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay. While Connor Baxter (Starboard), definitely found his form in today’s race, a second place for Kai in today’s race still very much keeps him in the running for not only the event Title, but the World Title.
It will once again, all come down to the final day of competition here at Turtle Bay, as World Championship Titles will be decided in the dramatic World Series Sprints.
Vinnicius Martins steps up to take 3rd place in the long distance race on Day 1 of the 2015 World Series Finals at Turtle Bay
Vinnicius Martins steps up to take 3rd place in the long distance race on Day 1 of the 2015 World Series Finals at Turtle Bay ©supworldmag.com /watermanleague
Vinnicius Martins (JP Australia) continues to assert himself on the global Racing scene with another impressive performance in today’s long distance race, finishing in 3rd place and strengthening his position in the overall ratings coming into the final day of action set to kick off LIVE at www.watermanleague.com from 12pm HST.
Vinnicius has proven time and time again that he has a real talent for open ocean racing, with strong finishes at many of the downwind focused races around the globe. Today’s performance only confirms this amongst the World Class collection of paddlers, as this young talent from Brazil continues to go from strength to strength.
Fiona Wylde puts on a truly dominant performance in the long distance race on Day 1 of the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay
Fiona Wylde puts on a truly dominant performance in the long distance race on Day 1 of the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay ©supworldmag.com /watermanleague
Fiona Wylde (Starboard) has proven herself to be one of the most well rounded athletes in the sport, and once again today, brought together her surfing and racing talent to dominate the Women’s Long Distance Race, finishing an incredible 8 minutes ahead of 2nd place finisher, the newly crowned World Champion Candice Appleby (Infinity).
Coming into the second day of racing here at the World Series Finals at Turtle Bay, presented by Naish, Fiona has gained confidence from today’s staggering win and is reveling in the idea of surf racing tomorrow, with the swell expected to hold and the conditions set to turn on for the dramatic and exciting World Series Sprints.
Fiona will be looking to consoidate on her finish today, but also strive to move up the World Series rankings prior to the year end. Make sure to check out the highlights from today’s racing and join us for all the action LIVE at watermanleague.com from 12pm HST.
2015 World Champion Candice Appleby finishes in 2nd in the long distance, as she will now be preparing for a comeback tomorrow
2015 World Champion Candice Appleby finishes in 2nd in the long distance, as she will now be preparing for a comeback tomorrow ©supworldmag.com /watermanleague
Candice Appleby (Infinity) is coming off an incredible and it should be noted, unbeaten year, having secured the World Title in advance of the Final event of the year out here at Turtle Bay.
While the points will make no difference for her with the job already done, the prestige of this Final Hawaiian event is significant for this phenomenal Champion from San Clemente as she wants to close the year on a high here at the World Series Finals.
While she was not able to overcome the on form young talent, Fiona Wylde (Starboard) to take the win in the long distance today, she did enough to finish in 2nd place and set herself up for what will without doubt be a spectaculer final day of racing here on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore and a dramatic finish to this year’s World Series Finals at Turtle Bay, presented by Naish)
Sonni Honscheid puts on a strong performance in the long distance race here on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore
Sonni Honscheid puts on a strong performance in the long distance race here on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore ©supworldmag.com /watermanleague
It was a welcomed return back to Turtle Bay and the World Series Finals for the talented German athlete Sonni Honscheid, an expert in open ocean paddling who spends much of her year on the neighboring island of Maui.
Today’s challenging long distance course saw Sonni finish in an impressive 3rd place, as she worked her way down the magical 7 mile miracle, passing amongst the World’s most iconic surf breaks on her way to Haleiwa.
Rounding out the podium on Day 1 sets Sonni up for a strong finish as she comes into the final day of action in the arean out front of the Turtle Bay pool bar, as it will all come down to the wire in the World Series Sprints.
Join us tomorrow for the dramatic World Series Sprint Racing in front of the Pool Bar, where World Champions will be crowned
After a dramatic opening day in pumping surf and fair to strong Hawaiian tradewinds, all eyes will now turn to Stand Up paddling’s ultimate amphitheater out front of the Pool Bar at Turtle Bay Resort.
With the now well known triangle course taking the athletes out and back through the surf and keeping the action butted right up against the hotel for all the spectators on site and online to get up close and personal, all eyes will be on Oahu’s fabled North Shore for the climactic close to the 2015 season here on the Stand Up World Series.
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