2011 Spring Update from Starboard SUP Rider Zane Schweitzer
Aloha;
This has been another exciting month for Zane. After a two week photo shoot in Hawaii Zane packed up again and traveled to the Starboard factory in Bangkok to work on designs for a new Zane Schweitzer Signature model wave board and fins.
Zane has been testing board designs to further push the limits of surfing and this latest model is amazing. He will be using a prototype for the entire Stand Up World Tour circuit.
Unfortunately while in Thailand he burst his ear drum and suffered a serious staph infection that landed him in the hospital in both Thailand and then in Paris France before the LaTorche World Tour event. He decided to compete even with the infection and pain, and advanced through to the quarter finals there. Showing once again his strong determination and unique approach to surfing.
As soon as he landed back on Maui, the race season began. His first big race of the season was a huge success. He competed in the Olukai 8 mile SUP race with over 210 competitors and finished 6th place overall in the Elite Division. Winning both a spot on the podium, prize money and respect of his fellow racers. Zane was once again the only teenager to make the top 6. He and a handful of racers then left the trophy presentation to fly straight to the 2nd day of the 20011 Battle of the Paddle on Oahu. It was a great event with the top racers in the world there and Zane made the podium again.
He finished 1st place in the 12’6″ 18 & under for the 13 mile Hawaii Kai race and 1st place in the team relay. Team Starboard consisted of Zane, Connor, Bart, and Gillian. Zane was the lead leg and instantly sealed their spot on the podium finishing the 1st of eight legs right behind in 2nd place, they stayed in that position until the last leg when Connor Baxter took the opportunity to pass the C4 girl team member just before the beach. It was an exciting finish and a great weekend for SUP racing!
The Starboard champions proved that Starboard has the fastest team on the water!
Zane is now headed to Tahiti for another photo shoot before the 3rd leg of the Stand Up World Tour in Tahiti.
More news to follow!!!
Thank you for all the support! Zane could not be as successful as he is without the support from his awesome sponsors!
Mahalo Nui Loa; Shawneen Schweitzer
APRIL – MAY RESULTS
1st place 2011 Battle of the Paddle Team Relay
1st Place 2011 Battle of the Paddle Hawaii Kai Race 12’6″ 18 & under class
6th Place 2011 Olukai Ho’olaule’a Elite Race
13th Place Stand Up World Tour La Torche France