Some may call us a glass half full kind of company but in our opinion, each year just seems to keep getting better. And 2022 being was our best year yet! After a two-year break from events, competition was back and SIC Maui was ready to race. Although the season saw many standout performances from our team racers, the highlight was Rai Tagushi winning the APP Busan Open.
This year was exciting on the production side as well—our XRS range become globally available and we launched the flip fuselage for foilers. In honor of all our hard work this year, SIC received four awards at the SUPconnect awards. We’ve put together a review of our epic year, in case you missed any of the action.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
After a two-year hiatus from competition, events are back, and this year has been more exciting than ever. SIC made appearances at the Gorge Paddle Challenge, ICF World Championships, and the APP Busan SUP Open.
GORGE PADDLE CHALLENGE
Team SIC kicked off its racing season at the Gorge Paddle Challenge in Hood River, Oregon in August. 230 paddlers showed up to the event and were treated to incredible conditions. Day one was downwind day, and the wind was ripping—ahletes paddled the eight-mild downwind course in 35-40 knot winds.
For the elite men, SIC Global Athlete Bodie Von Allmen finished in third place with SIC Global Athlete David Leao close behind in fourth. On the women’s side, SIC Global Athlete Jade Howson took home the win, with 16-year-old youth development athlete Alex Ostrowski finishing in fifth. For the juniors, 13-year-old Soryn Preston, the newest member of the SIC Youth Development team, won both the grom and junior girls downwind race and SIC Youth Athlete Trace Ostrowski took first for the boys.
Day two was the course race and the wind dropped to 12 knots, making for an exciting day of competition. SIC dominated the elite men’s race with David Leao finishing in second place and Bodie Von Allmen and Campbell Carter finishing in third and fourth, respectively. For the elite women, Jade Howson continue her dominate streak, taking home the win with Soryn Preton in fourth and Alex Ostrowki in sixth.
ICF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
In September, 500 athletes from 42 countries gathered to face off at the ICF Standup Paddle World Championships. Athletes were invited to participate as individuals or teams in the five-day event and 30,000 Euros in prize money were on the line.
Day one kicked off with the ICF’s first ever Special Olympics event, which was a big hit. Day two was the sprint day and although the course was tight and challenging, SIC Global Athlete Rai Taguchi fought his way to the finals where he rounded out the event in fourth.
Day one kicked off with the ICF’s first ever Special Olympics event, which was a big hit. Day two was the sprint day and although the course was tight and challenging, SIC Global Athlete Rai Taguchi fought his way to the finals where he rounded out the event in fourth.
On day three, distance day, the athletes awoke to high winds, big surf, and rain. The event was postponed a few hours but eventually, it ran, with SIC Global Athlete Rai Taguchi finishing in 10th and SIC Global Athlete Ludovic Teulade finishing in 11th. SIC Team Manager Tommy Buday finished in third for the Master men 40+.
On day four, the athletes were gifted with great conditions for the technical race. Although SIC’s athletes gave it their all, only Rai Taguchi made it through to finals day. On the last and final day of the competition, Rai Taguchi got off to a slow start, but ultimately finished the race in third.
APP BUSAN SUP OPEN
SIC rounded out the competitive year at the APP Busan SUP Open in Korea where SIC Global Athlete Rai Tagushi put on quite the show. Things looked rocky out of the gates as the APP board shipments didn’t arrive in time for the race, meaning Rai would be competing on an unfamiliar board.
Despite not having his trusty steed under his feet, Rai did an incredible job. He made an incredible comeback in the sprint race, coming from behind to win the race. He also finished first in the distance race and ultimately took the overall win at the Busan Open. Rai’s win was the perfect way to wrap up the season for Team SIC!
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
At SIC, we’re constantly striving to improve our existing products and release new, state of the art gear into the world. This year, we were excited for our XRS boards to hit the global market and for the addition of the flip fuselage to our lineup.
THE XRS RANGE
Our XRS range was designed for paddlers who enjoy racing, touring, or simply cruising on flat water. The XRS includes three different size options: 14’ x 20”, 14’ x 22”, and 14’ x 24”. All three models are now available worldwide.
FOIL SLASH WITH THE FLIP FUSELAGE
FLIP FUSELAGE
Available on its own or as part of one of our complete foil packages, the flip fuselage is a new addition that we’re particularly excited about. Made from anodized aluminum, the fuselage focuses on the key discovery and progression phases and provides incredible take off and in-flight stability.
SIC SHINES AT SUPCONNECT AWARDS
Since 2010, the SUPconnect Awards have recognized and honored individuals that have made exceptional contributions to the sport. This year, SIC Maui received multiple awards across four categories! SIC took runner-up in the Brand of the Year category.
The Okeanos board won two Gear of the Year awards, including “Best Touring Board” and “Best Overall Board.”
Additionally, 13-year-old Soryn Preston took third in the Grom of the Year awards !
Brendon Prince won man of the year for his 2021 expedition around mainland UK.
Cheers to an amazing year! We can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store for the SIC Maui ohana!