I was going to write something on this great mag but I thought I’d let the man himself give us a little run down.

Straight from the horses mouth…Andrew Cassidy - the founder & editor of Australia’s first dedicated SUP magazine. Casso is one of the Sydney based SUP rippers with passion for SUP that is only second to DJ. You will know he rips when you checkout page 9 of the magazine, Casso getting barrelled in his OLD work suit and tie.

Here’s what Casso had to say about the mag…

Well, how about this hey? Australia’s very own paddle surfing magazine.

After lots of talk about whether this thing would actually get off the ground, I bit the bullet and went for it. As it turns out, the content gathering was easy enough, everyone I spoke to was really positive and keen to see it up and running and overall everything’s gone relatively smoothly.

So after 16 years of working in the corporate arena, I’m now living a life long dream of mine - being a surf mag editor. Woo hoo. I’ve swapped my wool blend suit for a neoprene one, the flouro lights have been replaced with natural sunshine and my cubicle is now a mid-week, uncrowded, sand sucking barrel (well, not very often … but occasionally). Sure, it’s still a lot of work but fun work, stuff that’s a pleasure to get through instead of a chore. Gotta love it.

To help make this first issue a success, Dale Chapman Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kialoa Paddles and Peak Wetsuits have generously donated some awesome prizes to make up our Ultimate Performance Package - which one lucky reader will win. When you buy the mag from www.australianpaddlesurfer.com.au, you’ll automatically be placed in the draw so get online quickly and order one - and you could be surfing away with this $2,800 prize.

It doesn’t matter if you are into the comp scene, flatwater paddling, ocean racing or just mucking around with mates - Australian Paddle Surfer has got you covered with heaps of information and visual stimuli required to stoke your passion.

This first issue is a true collector’s edition with a limited print run of only 1,000 copies - one might say, a piece of Australian paddle surfing history. Hang on to your copy - it may be worth a lot of cash one day!

Andrew Cassidy
Managing Editor
Australian Paddle Surfer Magazine

Matty Martin at last years event

It’s seams like it has come around so fast but it’s that time of year again and SHQ have planned yet another great event down at Sandy Point for the Melbourne Cup long weekend. SUP will be featured for the 2nd year and there will be a lot more SUP activities on the schedule.

Over the 4 days there will be surf events, flat water paddles, flat water and wave clinics and a distance paddle to the Shallow Inlet river mouth. In previous years when there has been no wind people (windsurfers) have found themselves twidling their thumbs, but SHQ will have a full SUP demo fleet on hand for people to give it a try, maybe hit the surf for the first time or take the wife or kids for a paddle.

If you’re not already heading down for a few days, do your best to get down there for a day to check it out. Sandy Point is a great place and there is always something fun going on. If you plan to hit the surf look out for winds from the east to north which are most favourable for the Waratah Bay area. Maybe give the shop a call on 03 9598 2867 and they might be able to update you on the conditions.

For more info on the full event click somewhere here!

Here’s a really good clip of some barrels at pipe. The bar is getting raised higher every day now. I struggle to imagine what we will be seeing 12 months from now.

Knowing the Yarra Social Day/BBQ was fast approaching, I placed an order earlier in the week for sunshine, light wind and 22 degrees and Sunday delivered exactly that!

What we didn’t anticipate was that every man and his dog had the same idea so parking was a little bit difficult. Myself and Ronnie were very lucky scoring parks without having to wait to long. Jonathan was already there and had a few boards available to try that he borrowed from SHQ and he managed to get in a quick paddle before most got there.

The location was great with easy access to the water, BBQ’s & picnic areas and a cafe if you didn’t want to bother with the BBQ. There was a lot of interest from the bank of the river and I’m sure another couple hundred people are now familiar with SUP, which was really the aim of the day.

All together the day was a success with only one person falling in (to my knowledge) and we spread the word to lots of people. It would have been good to get some more people there but if we do it again I think over summer would be a better time. We’ll also choose a day when it’s onshore so Ross and a few others can make it down!

If DJ got some photo’s I’ll put them up soon!

Click here for a wrap up and pictures of the Shoreham demo day.

We have a few weeks off before the SHQ Event down at Sandy Point which is certain to be a great few days before another short break. Then the first event of the RPS Series will kick off on the 22nd of November.