We are just a few months away from the Red Bull Heavy Water event, one of the most intense stand up paddling (SUP) events in the world that will pit top performing athletes against one another in a grueling 7.5 mile course.
Thirty-six athletes, both male and female, will start from inside San Francisco Bay, paddle under the Golden Gate Bridge, engage in a three-pronged surf battle and finish at Ocean Beach as part of the 2018 APP World Tour circuit.
2017 World Champion Connor Baxter (HI) will take on the likes of Mo Freitas (HI), 2017 Red Bull Heavy Water winner Casper Steinfath (DK), Lincoln Dews (AUS), Arthur Arutkin (FRA), Michael Booth (AUS), Travis Grant (HI), Ryan Funk (USA), James Casey (AUS), Slater Trout (USA), Kody Kerbox (HI), Martin Vitry (FRA), Kenny Kaneko (JP), Leonard Nika (IT), Kai Lenny (HI), Danny Ching (USA), Zane Schweitzer (HI), Riggs Napoleon (HI), Jake Jensen (AUS), Bullet Obra (HI), Christian Anderson (DK), Itzel Delgado (PER) and Enzo Bennett (TAH).
“Red Bull Heavy Water was hands down the most extreme and challenging SUP event I have ever competed in,” said 2017 Red Bull Heavy Water champion Casper Steinfath. “The conditions last year pushed me to new limits both mentally and physically. The level of competition has never been higher and I am excited to see the world’s top women joining us this year to battle Mother Nature. I will do everything I can to defend my title from last year!”
Red Bull SUP and water-athlete Izzi Gomez will pull out all stops against athletes such as 2017 Overall APP World Champion Fiona Wylde (USA), 2017 APP World Racing Champion Terrene Black (AUS), 2015 World Champion Candice Appleby (USA), Annie Reickert (HI), Chloe Walkerdene (AUS), Andrea Moller (BRA), Manca Notar (SLOV), Shae Foudy (USA), and Nicole Pacelli (BRA).
“I’m nervous and excited to be taking on this years Red Bull Heavy Water event,” said Australia’s Terrene Black, 2017 APP Racing World Champion. “Last year’s conditions looked real heavy. It’ll be important to prepare wisely for the big surf and the cold water.”
Podium placements will be given to the top three male and top three female finishers. Along with bragging rights, and coveted APP World Tour points, the following prize amounts will be awarded to the competitors:
- First Place: $15,000
- Second Place: $7,500
- Third Place: $5,000
A grand total of $75,000 will be awarded in prizes.
The weather window for this event will run from October 15 to November 2, and a 7-day orange light alert, followed by a 5-day green light alert will signify that optimal conditions are in place for the event to run.
