"Everybody knows who I am because I come last and nobody likes coming last so they don't have to worry. I am just happy to be completing the course and having a great time on the water."
Wood is not alone. The series attracted 250 athletes in its inaugural year in 2012, making it the largest weekly SUP event in the Southern Hemisphere last year.
Event director Troy Huston said they are expecting more in the 2013-14 season.
Huston said they have built on the series this year by introducing a secondary school competition and also a 5km waterfront run.
"We wanted to introduce the world's fastest-growing watersport to the youth of Auckland and to further encourage secondary school involvement we have all the equipment," he said. "We have 24 secondary school spaces in the series we'd like to fill whereby the signed up students would receive coaching and tuition from New Zealand's best, use of the SUP equipment at Mission Bay plus a 12-week entry pass to have fun and compete at the series."
The surf series attracts athletes from the participant level to elite such as world No1 SUP boarder Annabel Anderson and New Zealand Olympic windsurfer John Paul ("JP") Tobin.
Anderson, the undisputed queen of the stand up paddling world, is a two-time world champion, two-time Battle of the Paddle Champion and the 2013 Female SUP Athlete of the Year. She said the surf series had a real point of difference.
"This is the only multi-discipline series on the city side of the Harbour Bridge," said the 30-year-old.
"Whether you prefer land or water, there's something for everyone. Mission Bay is a relatively sheltered beach making for a safe place to learn. This event provides an encouraging atmosphere to come and join in the fun on the water."
Tobin, who placed seventh in the men's RS:X windsurfing at the 2012 London Games, said the series is quickly becoming an iconic event and a must do in an Auckland summer.
"The reason is pretty simple and it shines through in the passion that the team at JCCS put into improving the event not only from season to season but also week to week and event to event," said the 36-year-old from Ohope Beach.
"The team are constantly striving to improve the overall experience for all their participants from kids and their families to those looking for a great way to keep fit and on through to the competitors looking to beat their rivals."
Gavin Houghton, who has been competing in SUP for the past four years, loves the sport.
"The most significant drawcard of the event is that Troy and Stacey [who run the event] have organised not just a race but a complete evening of entertainment," said the 51-year-old general manager.
During summer Houghton said he looks forward to Wednesday night every week.
"Every week the course is different depending on the weather conditions, which keeps things fresh and then there's the 'post-match' drinks and prize-giving laced with a healthy dose of banter and bragging rights.
"So what you have is a fantastic environment of friendship, competition and camaraderie. It's a highlight to the week and a welcome respite to the pressures of work."
Houghton said anyone with nerves about learning the ropes has nothing to worry about.
"One of SUPs greatest assets are the cool people involved in the sport. Being such a young sport, most of us are still learning the ropes ourselves, so if you're brand new to the sport then you'll be in good company."
Another regular participant, Mike Pirrit, echoed that sentiment.
"It's simply all there," said the 41-year-old, who has been involved in SUP for three years.
"You have the best beach in Auckland, a dynamic and physically challenging format and brilliant happy people all round. I can't wait to do it again."
Pirrit said competing alongside the sports elite was also a huge attraction.
"You can mix it up with the best in the world or find your niche with similar age and skilled people," he said.
"You have a safe supportive environment with every level and board type available. It is all there."
And as Wood, who is unashamedly the last home most nights, said: taking up the sport of SUP is much more than just a new pastime.
"It is like being part of a very large family," she said.
"We are all friends off the water and look after each other on the water."
Jetts City surf
When: Every Wednesday night this summer. From November 13 _
December 18 (breaks for Christmas).
Resumes Thursday, January 30-Thursday, March 13, 2014.
Where: Mission Bay, Auckland City.
For more information visit:
www.citysurfseries.com
