5 Things To Know About the 2017 Pacific Paddle Games

DANA POINT, California - The highly anticipated Pacific Paddle Games is back for it’s 3rd annual event and the weekend is shaping up to be quite a doozy. With all of the top athletes from around the globe expected to be in attendance the competition is going to be action packed. Here are 5 things to know about the 2017 Pacific Paddle Games:

1. Competition is Stacked

The Pacific Paddle Games this year is drawing the most intense group of professional stand up paddlers that we’ve seen to-date. All the heavy hitters in stand up paddle racing will be in attendance this weekend from around the globe. Connor Baxter, Candice Appleby, Kai Lenny, Annabel Anderson, Michael Booth, Terrene Black, Mo Freitas, Fiona Wylde, Titouan Puyo, Seychelle Hattingh, Danny Ching and Travis Grant will all be present paddling their hearts out this weekend battling for the win. You name it and they will be there. Even the young up and comers will be there like Jade Howson, Ryan Funk, Martin Vitry, and Shae Foudy. So, watch out because this will no doubt be one of the most exciting weekends in SUP racing all year.

2. New Fitness Zone

Yoga in the park. | Photo Courtesy: Pacific Paddle Games

New for 2017, the Pacific Paddle Games is hosting the PPG Fitness Zone – an area dedicated to fitness related brands, yoga brands, and dietary supplements. Specialty yoga and exercise classes will be scheduled to take place on the lawn next to the exhibiting fitness brands. All classes are FREE to attend so register now. Here’s whats happening:

Saturday

• 8:00am - Yoga Vinyasa Flow sponsored by iHeartYoga.org
• 1:30pm - Yoga Vinyasa Flow sponsored by iHeartYoga.org

Sunday

• 7:00am - Yoga Hosted by Maui Jim ambassador GERRY LOPEZ
• 8:00am - SUP Yoga Clinic sponsored by iHeartYoga.org
• 10:00am - PPG Fitness Zone BOOTCAMP Presented By QUEST Nutrition
• 1:30pm - Yoga Vinyasa Flow sponsored by iHeartYoga.org

For more info and to register, click HERE.

3. Two-Day Event

The past couple of years have had different schedules throughout the weekend going from two to three days of racing. This year the event goes back to the two-day format with the majority of the preliminary races happening on Saturday and the Distance Race and Finals for the Technical Races happening on Sunday. To view the full schedule for the weekend, click HERE.

4. Demo Zone

Pacific Paddle Games Demo Zone. | Photo Courtesy: Pacific Paddle Games

The Demo Zone is slated to be even bigger and better this year with more vendors participating and more boards and products to try. The demo zone is free to all who want to come and join in on the fun of the weekend and there will even be clinics on-hand throughout the weekend. All you need to provide is an ID and credit card (for collateral).

5. Winners

Connor Baxter and Mo Freitas going head-to-head at the 2016 PPG's. | Photo Courtesy: Pacific Paddle Games

For the past two editions of the Pacific Paddle Games the same two athletes in the pro divisions have been the ones to claim the overall win. Both Candice Appleby and Connor Baxter have dominated this event since it’s inception and have been the sole winners of this event thus far. With a new year comes new chances so it will be interesting to see who will come out on top this year.

For more information on the 2017 Pacific Paddle Games click HERE.