Jakovich claims fourth straight title

Gracetown’s Rick Jakovich claimed his fourth straight WA Stand Up Paddleboard Title in the over-40 men’s division at Ocean Beach last Sunday.

With the final event of the competition held in clean 1.5m waves at Denmark’s premier surfing spot, Jakovich scored the highest combined score of competition — wth 18.5 — to finish ahead of Ben Mardon of Geraldton.

Jakovich also won the previous event in Rottnest, finishing with a perfect score of 4000 points. “Today (Sunday) was pretty fun — those lefts were really offering up some great sections,” he said.

“I’m stoked to add another State title to the collection and it’s been a great series.”

In the open women’s category, Margaret River’s Narelle Kuppers won with a score of 13.33 to be crowned overall champion.

Monica De Arajo, of Scarborough, was second.

Kuppers also won the over-40 women’s category title after finishing second to Cottesloe’s Patrice Richardson at Ocean Beach.

Bicton’s Wes Fry took out the open men’s category with 16.07, edging out Gracetown’s Jake Jakovich (15.33). Jakovich took out the title, however, with 3720 points, ahead of Fry on 3340 points.

Crawford Olney, of Spearwood, was the over-50 men’s champion after beating Jamie Ralston, of Bicton.

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks praised all entrants.

“I’d like to congratulate all our State champions and thank all of our competitors who have participated in an epic competition series this year,” he said.

“I wish our WA SUP Team representatives the best of luck at Australian SUP Titles later this year.”