On Saturday 2nd December, Australia’s Michael Booth took out 4th place in ‘King of the Cut’, renowned as the biggest SUP Downwinder race to be held in Australia.
In it’s 6th year running, the 24km King of the Cut race was better than ever, with top contestants smashing previous race records in an ultimate contest.
The race began at Dawesville Cut and finished at Secret Harbour, Mandurah, with top conditions on the day making the contest “the best ever”.
Booth said the competition was tough, with fellow Aussie paddler Jake Jensen breaking the previous record time by more than seven minutes, completing the paddle in a speedy 1 hour and 40 minutes.
“The race was super fun, I had an absolute ball out there racing with the boys.
“In the first 12km there was a light wind, then it really picked up and was a lot stronger coming into the finish.
“The conditions just got better and better as the race progressed, it was a fast finish”, said Booth.
Booth had his first ever win on the unlimited SUP board in the Sunset Series days prior to the King of the Cut challenge, giving him the confidence boost he had hoped for heading into Saturday’s race.
“It was great to take out a win on the Thursday beforehand, it gave me that reassurance of where I was at”.
“It’s been fun racing on the unlimited for the first time this season and I am confident my results on this board will improve as I become more familiar with it”.
Booth said that overall he was pleased with his paddle and felt his race plan worked in his favour.
“Finishing in the top five was my goal for this years race so I am pleased to have done that”.
“Of course, there’s still plenty of room for development and I am excited to use the off season to catch up on some much needed rest as well as work on new skills and getting comfortable on the unlimited SUP before the 2018 season commences”
Follow Michael Booth on Instagram for more live and up to date SUP racing of the Aussi powerhouse in action.
Words: Lauren Barley for Michael Booth // Pictures: Neng Chunthanom
