Golden Nugget

For those of you who participated in the Half-moon Outfitters Golden Nugget SUP event this past weekend, you're well aware of how perfect the conditions were. Sure, the usual wind and current in and out of Shem Creek. Not to mention loads of boat traffic - though I think SUP'ers outnumbered boats. But, in comparison to gusty, choppy, wind tunnel conditions that we often find ourselves in at Shem Creek, this was as perfect a day as we could have wished for.

Light winds, minimal current, negligible chop...and loads of warm sunshine (hard to believe it was October 16th, and not a mid-summer day). This year's event included easily twice the number of last year, with racers this year traveling from as far as Nevada. Building upon the success of the Charleston Watersport Shem Creek Shootout this past summer, Half-moon's Golden Nugget Event (benefiting the Mt. Pleasant Land Conservancy) was another great step in continuing to solidify the Charleston area as a top-notch SUP community, and venue for exciting SUP events.

Full results can be seen on Half-moon Outfitters' Golden Nugget Race home page. But, in summary, the 10K elite race was won by Bruce Brunson of Nevada, who relentlessly fought off local SUP'er, Don Alderman, who took any easy second place. Third place went to another local, Eddie Sanders, who led a small pack of racers behind Bruce and Don.

As for the women, strong performances by April Zilg and Kimberly James of Wilmington, NC held off our local elite women. April and Kim also had strong showings in Georgia's 7.5 mile Golden Isles event the day prior, making their endurance at the Nugget that much more impressive. The friendly competition between Wilmington's and Charleston's SUP communities continues to grow.

And, the recreation distance (5K) race featured many locals finishing in the upper ranks.

The after party was great, as it was last year. Great food, drinks, music and socializing overlooking a warm sunset on Shem Creek. Yet another great success for our prospering SUP community. Many thanks to the team at Half-moon Outfitters who put together an exciting, high quality event.