The Treasure Coast Paddle Battle
by Troy Hendricks, North Central Regional Rep

The Treasure Coast Paddle Battle in Fort Pierce, FL, successfully kicked off the East Coast SUP season.

The event featured 10k and 5k races, with the 10k course starting on the ocean, passing through the Fort Pierce channel, and concluding at Jaycee Park. Conditions were particularly challenging this year; Race Director Victoria Burgess described the water as "sporty," with open ocean winds reaching 20 MPH. These conditions led approximately ten paddlers, including two USA SUP regional representatives, to switch from the 10k to the 5k course.

The 5k race followed a coat-hook-shaped course with a beach start and the same finish line as the 10k. Despite being on flat water, the race was demanding, as one segment headed directly into the 20 MPH winds, while others required paddlers to battle to stay on course.

New this year was the Sunday Technical Race. After setting the buoys, Victoria turned the coordination of the heats over to John Meskauskas. Conditions remained tough; the women’s division featured a single winner-take-all heat, while the men competed in three heats to determine the final.