Categorized | Featured, Sports, Surfing

Stand Up World Tour arrives in Hilo

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Island Finals marks the homecoming of the Stand Up World Tour and the prestigious close to the season. Set to take place here on the Big Island for the next three years as a minimum, the event will conclude the global pursuit of the world’s best to be crowned Champion of the World.

Held at Honolii, perhaps the Big Island’s most treasured and consistent surf spot, the Hawaii Island Finals runs Dec. 10-19 and consist of a 48 man trials event and 40 man main event.

Community shuttles will be running throughout the day to bring people back and forth from Hilo town and the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort to Honolii.

Beyond the climactic stand up surf championship, the event will focus on the community in the Big Island and the rich cultural heritage that the island possesses, in addition to the islands natural resources.

The event starts Friday, Dec. 10 with a traditional opening ceremony according to protocol – a chance for the athletes to reflect on what brought them to the Island and what it is to be there for this special moment in time.

The Trials will then kick off the following morning bright and early, or as soon as there are suitable conditions, with the holding period running from Dec. 11 through Dec. 17 (with Dec. 18 providing the extra day if needs be).

On the final weekend, an ocean festival will mark the Stand Up World Tour’s presence on the island, as a arts, crafts and hardware expo will provide visitors, both local and tourists, to find out more about the sport and check out what the local business community has to offer.

There will also be two additional sporting events run:

* The Nation’s Cup: an exciting team format involving the World’s leading stand up paddlers.
* Open Race: a 3-mile race that is open to all, to take place in Hilo Bay, following the course outline below. This race will offer both 14′ and 12’6′ classes. It will rank elite, masters, youth and women divisions.

Na Kama Kai will once again access the kids in need, this time here on the Big Island for an unforgettable series of youth clinics led by Founder Duane DeSoto. Supported by the Stand Up World Tour athletes, Na Kama Kai will provide unique opportunities for these kids, from the sports themselves, to ocean awareness and cultural workshops.

The final element will be the luau is the final Saturday, including the crowning of the 2010 World Champion. This will be at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, partner for the Hawaii Island Finals.

Below is a more detailed schedule and map for the Open Race:

Friday, Dec. 10 – Queen Liliuokalani Park and Coconut Island:

9:30 – 11 a.m.: Athlete registration and check in, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort
Noon: Start of Nations Parade through Queen Liliuokalani Park and over the Bridge to Coconut Island
12:30-2 p.m.: Blessing and Awa Ceremony
2 p.m.: Welcome Speeches and Press Conference
6 p.m.: Welcome drink at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

Saturday, Dec. 11 – Friday, Dec. 17 – Honolii:

First Shuttle 6:30 a.m. / 6:45 a.m.
Athlete Daily Call at 7:30 a.m.
First Possible Start 8 a.m.
Day FInish at 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 16: Hilo

Wayfinding and astronomy evening with Polynesian Wayfinding legends

Friday, Dec. 17:

Event Party – location tbc

Saturday, Dec. 18 – Hilo Bay:

8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Expo open to public
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Na Kama Kai Youth clinics for underprivileged youth; Product Demos / stand up initiations

Live Music
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Nation’s Cup: Waterman’s Challenge in Canoes, on Stand up boards, alaias, swimming and more
5 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.: Luau and Prize-giving Ceremony for the event and the World Championship Crown (allow for up to 250)
9 p.m.: Main Event Party at W.A.I

Sunday, Dec. 19 – Hilo Bay:

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Expo open to public
9 a.m.: Open Race Check in
10 a.m.: Open Race Start
1 p.m.: Prize-giving for Open Race
2 – 5 p.m.: Na Kama Kai youth Clinics for underprivileged youth; Product demos / stand up initiations; Live Music Option (tbc)

5 p.m.: Wrap Up – Unofficial Event Closing dinner at Cafe Pesto’s in Hilo

— Find out more:
http://www.standupworldtour.com/

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