The week-long festivities surrounding Outdoor Retailer in Utah began with the H20 Overdrive SUP Cup series race at Jordanelle State Park, just outside of Park City.  At  6,166 feet elevation, framed by mountains on all sides, this setting was an outstanding arena for a stand up paddle race event. Despite the challenges of competing at high altitude, calm winds and overcast skies made for optimum race conditions. The course was set up as a four-mile loop above Keetley, Utah a ghost town submerged by the waters of Jordanelle Reservoir.

Derek Elbert, Boardworks Team Rider from Park City Utah claimed victory as the overall winner racing on a M&M 14’0 Zoom Zoom with a time of 42:40.  He also was awarded first in the Open 14 Mens category.  Not far behind him was Mike Fox, owner of Boardworks, racing a 14’0 Dennis Pang coming in fourth Overall and placing second in his Senior Mens Open category.  In the Senior Mens Stock Division, Boardworks Midwest sales rep, Tim Truman Placed third riding the new Switchblade 12’6 raceboard by C4 Waterman.  He finished just seconds after Ernie Brassard and Mickey Munoz.  Also of mention were Ryan Guay, Boardworks Rockies sales rep placing sixth in his Mens 12’6 division and in the Elite 5 mile Pro Race, Chris Curry, Boardworks team rider from North Carolina came in eigth riding an M&M 14’0.

All in all it was a great event and fun for all who participated and came to watch, and definitely something to put on the schedule of things not to miss for next year.  A big thanks goes out to H2O Overdrive, and especially Kelly French and Barrett Tester for organizing and putting on this event. Proceeds benefitted the National Ability Center.