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Perth paddleboarding trio representing Australia at world championships

Laura PondStirling Times

TWO Perth paddleboarders are heading to China to represent Australia.

Carine’s Michael Booth and Melville resident Sam McCullough (16) are competing at the International Surfing Association’s World SUP and Paddleboard Championships from November 23 to December 2.

The pair is among nearly 200 athletes from 27 countries selected for the tournament.

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As Australia’s current SUP Marathon champion, Booth will be a favourite in the marathon category, while Melville Senior High School student McCullough will line up in the inaugural junior racing division.

Both won national titles at the recent national SUP titles on the Gold Coast.

Long-serving Surfing WA and SUPWA official Geoff Bryant, of Iluka, will also be part of the competition.

He has been invited to act as an accredited race master for the marathon and technical events.

Booth said he had not visited China before so was looking forward to racing somewhere new.

“Coming off some recent success at the Aussie Titles feels great and to represent your country is an amazing privilege that I can’t wait to do again,” he said.

“I’ve been coaching Sam recently and he’s an amazing prospect for Australia and has a really bright future in the sport.

“He’s only 16 and to get the chance to go to the world championships is a great achievement for such a young guy.”