Tag Archives: Florida SUP racers

Clermont SUP Racers, Alyssa Veres and Alicia Weber, Take Top Spots

Alicia's Athletic Competitions, , , , , , ,

By: Weber Way to Wellness Reporter Photos copyrighted © AliciaWeber.com

Alyssa Veres and Alicia Weber - Clermont, Florida's Top SUP Racers
Alyssa Veres and Alicia Weber – Clermont, Florida’s Top SUP Racers

Clermont’s waterways might be most known for triathlons, bass fishing, and wakeboarding competitions. However, serious training takes place on these waterways for SUP racers, Alicia Weber and Alyssa Veres, who both captured top spots in a SUP (Stand Up Paddling) event held in Melbourne, Florida on September 13, 2015
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Alicia Weber began her day at 9am in the Manatee 4 mile SUP race where she took second place in her 12’6 board category, while Alyssa Veres competed in her 12’6 board category and won the Dragon 6 mile race.

Weber returned at noon for the much anticipated Bic Sup One Design North American Championship where racers were required to compete on the same board and use the same paddle to make a true test in speed, race tactics, and paddle skills in a 400 meter sprint.

“I watched this championship last year to prepare mentally to compete for the first time this year. It’s a very aggressive all out bout. I was just hoping to make the finals,” said Weber.

There were elimination rounds of six SUP racers. Only two in each round made it to the finals. Weber finished second in her heat to advance to the finals where she took 4th place. In the North American Championship final six girls were pumped and ready to pour everything they had on a short, circular course that consisted of going around two buoys.

Racers had to know how to produce powerful, fast strokes with their paddle, while staying balanced on a board measuring 12 ft 6 inches in length and 30 inches in width. The chances of getting knocked down are very likely in this intense race format.

The Top 5 Finishers in the 2015 Bic One Design North American Championship. On the left, Weber took 4th.place.
The Top 5 Finishers in the 2015 Bic One Design North American Championship. On the left, Weber took 4th.place.

Racers gauged angles going around buoys, so that they don’t come too close to a buoy, but yet not too far away as to let competitors speed ahead. One abrupt turn around the second buoy eliminated one competitor who got off balance and fell. The five remaining competitors were hauling it in the last hundred meters trying to make any last second gains. Weber settled for fourth just seconds from the top three and she was very happy.

One reason Veres and Weber enjoy these races is for the top competition, which some SUP racers are top in the nation. Sarah Callaham traveled from Hawaii and won the Bic Sup One Design North American Championship and the Manatee 4 mile race.

The atmosphere of the distance races is more relaxed and upbeat as competitors cheer for each other and may spot manatees along the way. Veres competed in her first 6 mile race where she was very nervous, but she finished shocked and very happy to see that she won. This began her mental and physical preparation for her 24 mile challenge she will have on October 17 in Clermont.

Sarah Callaham (right) won both the 4 mile SUP Race and Bic One Design North American Championship. Weber (left) finished 2nd in the 4 mile SUP race.
Sarah Callaham (right) won both the 4 mile SUP Race and Bic One Design North American Championship. Weber (left) finished 2nd in the 4 mile SUP race.

All the races took place on the Indian River Lagoon and Eau Gallie River, which are hubs for international kayakers and paddlers. Weber and Veres take one race at a time and are determined to move up the ranks, which includes excelling at different distances and becoming versatile on various boards.

“Paddle boarding is a lot of fun and it’s easy if you have the right mindset. You can make it harder or easier based on the speed you choose to go and the length and width of the board,” said Veres.

Paddle boarding is not the first sport for Veres and Weber who have competed in many individual and team sports. They agree that their different sports have developed muscles and balance to be able to be competitive SUP racers. They each compete on the SUP circuit, which goes from fall to spring.

“It’s cool to be one of the few SUP competitors in Clermont, but I would like to see more locals try SUP,” said Veres, 16, a junior at South Lake High School and Ocean for Hope Team Paddler.

Veres encourages all levels of paddle boarders to come out and join her for all or part of her 24 miles in her “Chain of Lakes SUP Challenge” on October 17 beginning at 7:30am at Waterfront Park with an approx. finish at 3-4pm.

Alyssa Veres won the 6 mile race. Her time was so fast that if she competed in the elite 6 mile prize money race, she would have placed third.
Alyssa Veres won the 6 mile race. Her time was so fast that if she competed in the elite 6 mile prize money race, she would have placed third.

This is not a race, but a paddling journey to bring awareness to people affected by cancer.
“This is to be a big party in the water with a great BBQ at the finish at Clermont Bikes and Boards, 15 Second Street in Clermont,” added Veres.

As an Ocean of Hope Team member, Veres raises money for individuals fighting sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Find out more at http://sarcomaalliance.org/ocean-of-hope/ https://www.facebook.com/whatsuponthelake

END OF REPORT