Angry sea no problem for Jakovich boys

Gracetown’s Rick Jakovich was named Open Men’s State Champion at the WA Stand Up Paddleboard Titles at the weekend.

Strong winds and rough swell at Mandurah’s Avalon Beach offered difficult conditions for WA’s most experienced SUP surfers, but Jakovich proved to be at the top of his game, also scoring wave of the day.

Jakovich’s victory was followed by his brother Jake Jakovich placing second, with by Chris Twomey (Karrinyup) and Crawford Olney (Spearwood) in third and fourth.

Jakovich said it was the toughest event he had competed in for years.

“It's always nice to get the win, but to do it when the ocean is angry as it was today makes the win even more special,” he said.

Beaconsfield’s Susannah Wilson was named Open Women’s State Champion, while Melville’s Sam McCollough took the under-18 Junior State Champion title.

Yallingup’s Richard Wain placed third in the over-50s men’s division.

Jakovich will now prepare for the upcoming Australian SUP Titles in Queensland.