Surfing Australia is proud to announce the five talented athletes who will represent Australia at the 2023 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship. This year’s competition will be held at Les Sables d’Olonne on the western coast of France from September 24 – October 1 .
Among the Irukandjis are former world champions as well as ISA rookies.
Michael Booth (Perth, WA) has attended four ISA World Championships, winning the SUP marathon race twice and placing third in last year’s event at Puerto Rico.
Booth said it is always an honour to pull on the green and gold.
“I’ve been, fortunately representing my country in different sports since I was 18 years old and I think the significance of performing for my country is greater each time. I think the most important part of competing for your country is joining in as a team for a collective goal to achieve greatness. I’m sure this year will be an awesome experience for all the Australian athletes.
“I really enjoy competing and competing against the best athletes all around the world. I’m looking forward to getting out in the technical and the marathon races and doing my absolute best.”
Skyla Rayner (Byron Bay, NSW) said she was stoked to be selected in the Australian team alongside her partner, Wesley Fry (Byron Bay, NSW).
“It is my first time competing at an ISA competition so I don’t know what to expect but I am sure it will be great fun competing for my country. This is Wes and my first time traveling to compete for the National team together which is super exciting.
“We’ve been traveling across Australia for the last couple of months surfing lots of new breaks and training together. We’re both looking forward to checking out a new location in France, fueling up on lots of croissants and surfing all day. We’ve been keeping an eye on the 16-day forecast and have our fingers crossed for some playful conditions come comp day.”
Fry said he too was excited to be representing his country.
“I competed at the 2020 ISA Championship in El Salvador where I was quite nervous so I’m feeling a little more driven to get a better result. I’ve been riding SUPs for roughly 10 years starting in Perth where I grew up and now on the east coast in Byron Bay where I reside.”
Surfing Australia High Performance Director, Kate Wilcomes said: “We’re thrilled to announce our strong and talented Australian team for the 2023 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship. We wish them all the best on the world stage and look forward to following their success throughout the competition.”
More information visit the ISA event website HERE.
2023 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship – Team Australia:
Michael Booth (Perth, WA) – Men’s Distance (Marathon) and Men’s Technical
Johnathan Hagan (Robina, QLD) – Men’s Technical and Men’s Sprint
Wesley Fry (Byron Bay, NSW) – Men’s SUP Surfing
Kai Bates (Mollymook, NSW) – Men’s SUP Surfing
Skyla Rayner (Byron Bay, NSW) – Women’s SUP Surfing
Event Schedule:
*subject to change at any time at the ISA’s discretion
- Sunday – Sept 24
– Parade of Nations & Opening Ceremony - Monday – Sept 25
– Surfing competition at Tanchet - Tuesday – Sept 26
– Surfing competition at Tanchet - Wednesday – Sept 27
– Surfing competition at Tanchet - Thursday – Sept 28
– Technical Racing at Gran Plage - Friday – Sept 29
– Technical Racing at Gran Plage - Saturday – Sept 30
– Long Distance Racing at Gran Plage - Sunday – Oct 1
– Sprint Races at Gran Plage
– Relay Races at Gran Plage
– Closing & Awards Ceremony
Participation
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