The 2011 Hinano Tahiti Surf Race to Victory kicked off a new format in Surf City, USA. Huntington Beach earned it's moniker that Sunday providing perfect size swells for nonstop action with thrills and spills. "It was definitely the most fun event of the season," said elite SUP competitor, Brandi Baksic.

The new SUP Boarder Cross format had competitors sporting helmets, jerseys, and big fast SUP boards. Overall waterman skills were tested as competitors raced the short V-shaped surf course through shore break to the end of the pier, then in and out of the surf again, before running up the beach to the finish.

The event really highlighted the technical aspects of stand up paddling, with surf being a major factor in every heat. The day was fun for the competitors got to see their friends compete in other heats, as well as the spectators who could watch the entire race from the beach or pier. "The race was so fun to watch because you just saw a lot of elite paddlers getting worked in the surf," Baksic said.

The competition was narrowed down as the top three of each heat advanced and competitors who did not had a second chance to move on the repechage heats.
Anthony Vela, took 1st in the finals after battling the entire course with Australian Jamie Mitchell and catching the same wave in, when Vela angled to the north and narrowly won in a foot race to the finish, taking home the $1,500. Jake Jensen of Australia took 3rd, Fernando Stalla of Mexico took 4th, and Chuck Patterson grabbed 5th. For the women's division finals, Candice Appleby, Miss SUP 2010, took 1st, with Brandi Baksic finishing close behind in 2nd and Gillian Gibree taking 3rd.

The awards ceremony was held at the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway at the Surfers' Walk of Fame. Afterwards competitors and spectators wrapped up the evening with the Hinano fashion show and Post Race Party at Duke's restaurant on the beach. Anthony Vela said "I was stoked the whole day, not just to win but to see everyone having such a good time in the surf, and it's always fun to end an event with a party and a cold Hinano beer."