THE 2019 stand-up paddleboard state titles saw its four final state champions, including Mollymook's Kai Bates, crowned on Tuesday, as the 2019 Port Stephens Surf Festival came to a climactic finish in one-foot surf.
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Reigning NSW SUP state titleholder Bates claimed his second title in as many years by taking out the open men's division.
The South Coast natural-footer put on a dynamic performance in the final, locking in a 15.1 two-wave heat total to get the nod ahead of overall event standout Harry Maskell (Wamberal) who had to settle for the runner-up spot.
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In the open 10-foot men's event, Woollamia's Nathan Cross finished third behind Collaroy's James Casey and Avalon's Marty Cole.
The other two champions crowned on the day were Tweed Heads' Justin Holland (over 40 men) and Ballina's Noel Graham (over 50 men).
The 2019 SUP state titles and the NSW longboard titles called Port Stephens home from June 20-25, and the two events will help decide the NSW teams for the upcoming Australian SUP titles at Phillip Island and the Australian longboard titles at Tweed Heads.