Matt Anderson takes the win at Triple Crown SUP Tour – New Zealand
At last week’s Bay of Islands Triple Crown event, Matt Anderson dominated with his Sonic and took home the title after racing under a wide variety of conditions:
“The Bay of Islands Triple Crown is a 3-day event held at some of New Zealand’s most historic and scenic places. The rules of the competition are that you choose one board for all three days, as to test the ability of the paddler in all different conditions on the one board. I chose my NSP Sonic 14 x 23, which has a dugout and a fast outline.”
“The first day was set at the beautiful Opito Bay, however the torrential forecast (editor: check the top banner) led to poor visibility and 40 knot winds, setting the scene for a challenging crosswind to the first buoy. After a good start I got around the buoy first which set me up for the epic downwinder which I was able to hold the lead with NSP team mate Mike Pirrit right behind me for the whole race. The Downwind race finished with the last 3km flat water finishing at the iconic Stone Store.”
“The 2nd day was a stunning day for the spectators watching the 7 lap technical race at the Stone Store. After a bad start with my hand slipping at the start of the race, I was quickly able to make up ground and took the inside line at the first buoy and was able to hold and extend the lead through the whole race.”
“Day 3’s race was a distance race held at Waitangi Bridge at the base of Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. After a solid grind leading the pack up to the top marker at Haruru Falls, which couldn’t come soon enough, I was able to turn quickly and sprint off the buoy breaking away from the pack to take the win.”
“The Sonic 14 x23 proved to be an awesome alround board coping with all conditions- downwind, technical and distance racing throughout the weekend and proving to be the ultimate choice in helping to win all 3 days and take the trophy of the Bay of Islands Triple Crown.”
Also lots of congratulations from NSP to Matt’s teammate Mike Pirrit, who was on Matt’s tail throughout the whole series and Angie McKee who won the women’s Bay of Islands Triple Crown!