Battle of the Paddle 2012

Battle of the Paddle 2012, proved to be the biggest paddle event of the year by far. Bigger and better than last year and even the year before, this years BOP exemplified just how quickly this sport is growing! With all walks of life, from Keiki to Veterans competing in the biggest SUP race there is out there. This years open class broke world record for the largest Stand Up Paddle race ever held. Elite racers came from all over the country to compete against each other and duke it out for the BOP Champion title.

Focus SUP went down to attend an inspirational night at the SUP AWARDS on Friday, and get amped up for the big BOP weekend. Team rider Mo Freitas, competed in the Elite, Long Distance, and Relay Races. Brand ambassador, Scott Vande Vusse also competed in the Open Class. We had our own Focus GM Doug Anderson, and Co-Founder Nitzan Benhaim competing with team member Mo Freitas and friend Halie Harrison in the relay race. The weekend was a huge success, and we are proud of the achievements and the noise that the Focus Team has made at the 2012 BOP.

Fifteen year old Mo Freitas Dominates at Battle of the Paddle:

Earning 1st Place in his age class in the Distance, 1st place in his age class in the Elite Race, 6th overall in the Elite Race, and 8th overall in the Long Distance Race. Mo Freitas has shown his efforts against the best of the best, and proved that age is just a number in SUP Racing.

Fifteen years old, young Mo is just getting started and says he is amped, FOCUSed, and ready for the year of competitions to come.

A Victorious Weekend for Team Rider Mo Freitas

Fifteen year old, Mo Freitas is on fire, winning 1st in Junior, 2nd in the 14′ Division, and 3rd overall at the 22 Mile O’Neill Tahoe Cup this weekend. Just one day after racing and making his way up to the podium  in 2 heat advances during Saturdays Surfrace to Victory at Huntington Beach. Focus Sup Team Rider Mo Freitas, father Tony Freitas, fellow racer and friend Halie Harrison, and Focus Sup’s co-founder/shaper/designer Nitzan Benhaim, ventured North after an eventful day in Huntington Beach, CA, only to do it all over again at one of California’s and Nevada’s most beautiful paddling locations, on the crystal clear blue water of Lake Tahoe.

Mo on the 14′ Cali Carbon Wash Race Board:

Focus Ambassador Scott Vanne Vusse takes 2nd in Open Class In Round the Rock Race

In his own words:

“Had a great race Sunday on the new Cali 14.  Nitzan was in town for Round the Rock last year, it’s 13 miles around Mercer Island on Lake Washington in Seattle.  Unlike last year, I arrived at 7:30 to 60 degrees and wind blowing 15-20 from the SE (last year was 85, sunny, and 5 mph winds).  Given the weather the number of paddlers was down a bit, 153 for the 13 miler and 85 for the 3.5 miler.  They flipped the course from last year, so the first and last 3 miles were headed south into the wind.  Had a good start and was feeling good, sitting in the top 20 or so not wanting to go out too hard.  The east side of the island had a decent push from the wind with some small waves.  Re-assessed my pace about half way and was feeling good so kicked it up after losing the waves due to turning a corner on the island.  Passed some people and put a gap on the group I was with.  We came around the north end of the island and it was right into the wind and waves for the final 3-4 miles.  It was a grinder going from 6+ mph to about 4 mph into the wind and waves.  Had a good final leg, caught a couple more people, and extended the gap.  Ended up finishing 9th overall, 7th overall in the 14s (2 unlimiteds ahead), and 2nd overal in the Open class.  Really happy with the finish, on target with what I was hoping for and continuing to get faster through the season.  Definitely re-energized to get some more training in for BOP.

The new boards are great.  Really like the new shape.  Everyone who has taken them for a spin has liked them.  The stability was great in the rough conditions, but still carried good speed.  Figured out the weight distribution (moved back and forth a lot) in the ever changing conditions during Round the Rock which made a big difference in overall speed.  Awesome boards and I really appreciate the support from Focus.”

Thanks for sharing your experience Scott, keep up the good work, we look forward to seeing you at the BOP next month!