The Shonan Chigasaki Pro Japan  just took place from the 15th – 17th August, setting the stage for an exciting future for the sport of Stand Up Paddling in Asia as the first ever event there.

Fanatic´s Angela Jackson proved once more why she is one of the best female paddlers in the world with back to back wins in the Sprints and the Long Distance. Showing real dominance, skill and endeavour, Angie, once again showed why she is one of the best females paddlers in the world. Charging through the upwind sections and cruising the bumps on the down sections, she made the course look easy. Breaking away from the other girls early she never looked back from the first lap. Hitting the first turn in front she increased her lead throughout the course to finish comfortably in first place.

Angie Jackson: “Champagne showers always fun after two hard days racing. Thanks Japan its been an amazing 4 days. Big thanks to my sponsors and supporters Fanatic SUP International and Kozii Swimwear as well as Fanatic Jaspan for all their help! Time to head to Hood River for some fun downwinding time and race now.”

Paul Jackson dominated the Long Distance race and made the most of the wind swell bumps into the beach on the downwind sections to take the win on Day 2. Firing out of the blocks on the start line, Paul hit the first buoy out in front and powered through the downwind section of the first lap. Losing the lead, briefly on the second lap to Mo Frietas, Paul showed his experience to take the outside line and a better run in to the shore break buoy and was able to regain his lead. Having opened up about a 50m gap between him and the chasing pack of Mo and Beau, Paul put his head down through the final third of the course and was able to hold his lead and finish comfortably ahead. A great performance from the Australian using his experience of downwind paddling to his advantage and prove just how much of a force he is. Laying down the gauntlet for the rest of the international fleet as we approach the business end of the SUP season. On day 1 he was a bit unlucky and only finished 4th in the Sprints, so Overall he´s in 2nd for the event.

Paul Jackson: “After a great week in Japan I’m also super stoked to see my racing ideas being used around the world, I have now heard of 3 races that have tryed the super lap and all 3 have had great success and with the ultimate showdown using my split bouy racing idea and from what I have heard its making the racing much more exciting to watch and do I feel the future of racing might be taking a turn for the better with more tactical and entertaining racing coming to a water way near you!”

Well done guys – what a great family affair!

More: https://watermanleague.com/