The 2018 ISA World Paddle Championships were held in Hainan from November 23 to December 2.
Due to the influence of typhoon weather, the wave reached a height of 1.5 meters and the wind reached 20 knots. AST organized three exchange events, linking athletes from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and inviting Naish players Casper Steinfath and Andy Saurer to teach us how to get in and out of the waves.
Fun Races for Team China, Team China HK, Team Chinese Taipei
All the paddlers had overcame their fears in paddling in the wave and tough sea condition. Warming up before the real #ISAWORLDS battle.Following by the sport exchange, we exchange equipment, exchange knowledge. We learnt, we growth, we laugh, we create memory together.
Clinics from Naish Team International Rider
The sun was shining and the wave was pumping. We invited two Naish Riders, Casper Steinfath from Denmark and Andi Saurer from Switzerland, to teach us how to get in and out of the waves, how to get started at the right time, and identify different waves and how to ride the waves.
Beside the clinics, Casper and Andi helped us connect to the ocean and learn from the ocean via body surfing. What a good idea as we have lots of players got claimed and relaxed after body surfing.
Finally, we all release our energy via Asian version of “viking roar”.
Friendship
Paddler’s friendship built instantly right after training together, experienced the same sea condition because we all love doing the same thing in the sea. The ocean has built the connection in us.
Beside SUP,Nothing can unite the hearts of a group of people more than eating, especially after the tough training sessions with the wave and wind. On the 23rd evening, athlete representatives from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and the Naish Team players had dinner together to share SUP experiences, stories and the training habits.
Thanks Asia SUP Tour for such a amazing exchange opportunity.
“We come from different cultural backgrounds, but because of the maritime relationship, we are here. Thanks to the opportunities provided by AST, I can share my experience with Asian players. I can’t wait to see you in the future! ”—— Casper Steinfath
