International Palms Resort Hosts Stand Up World Series Event
By SpaceCoastDaily.com // August 30, 2012
INTERNATIONAL PALMS RESORT
(VIDEO: TheWatermanLeague)
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – The Stand Up World Series was hosted by Cocoa Beach International Palms Resort Sept. 8–9 for the inaugural Cocoa Beach Paddle Classic.
As the surf and SUP industry head to Orlando for the Surf Expo in early September, so does the Stand Up World Series, as the beautiful beach city of Cocoa Beach came alive for one of three major World Series stops on the U.S. Mainland.
Hosted by the International Palms Resort Cocoa Beach, situated right by Lori Wilson Park, the Cocoa Beach Paddle Classic was sponsored by Pacifico, Starboard and in association with Maui Jim Eyewear.
From World Series leader Connor Baxter (Starboard) and arch rival and current #2 Kai Lenny, to Slater Trout, Europe’s leading light Eric Terrien (Bic SUP), Mexico’s Ryan Helm and Fernando Stalla (Rogue) and leading lady on the World Series Annabel Anderson (Starboard), the field was stacked and the action intense.
Was Open To Florida’s Extensive Paddle Community
The Cocoa Beach Paddle Classic also opened its arms to Florida’s extensive paddle community, with access for all and a unique event format that provided something for everyone.
In addition to the World Series 12’6 class (that is open to everyone), there was a a SUP 14′ and prone divisions for the long distance race, providing a complete showcase of paddle sports at Cocoa Beach.
The Long distance featured a beach start and headed out from in front of the International Palms Resort and went up the coastline to Cocoa Beach Pier, featured a couple of buoy turns that took in the key focal points in the area and then headed back for a beach finish at the event HQ. Detailed course maps and race info are featured at www.standupworldseries.com.
Dynamic World Series Sprint Format
The dynamic World Series Sprint format took advantage of surf zone in Cocoa Beach which provided an exciting course and a visual spectacle for the audience out front of International Palms Resort. The short ‘M’ shaped sprint course consisted of a beach start and finish, and go in and out of the surf zone.
With a heat elimination format and repechage built in, there was plenty of opportunities for everyone, as athletes will battled their way through the rounds to the climactic finals.
The World Series Sprint racing took place on Sunday the 9th. The prestigious Awards Ceremony took place on stage directly afterwards to celebrate the close of this dramatic World Series event taking place on the East Coast of the Mainland U.S.
The Waterman League put on a special ‘Na Kama Kai’ event for Cocoa Beach’s underprivileged youth, getting them out on the water and on boards for a unique experience in the company of the world’s best.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PALMS AT 1-800-206-2747 or Email: cocoa@internationalpalms.com
