7th Annual Cold Stroke Classic Welcomes Paddlers to Wrightsville Beach

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – The longest-running East Coast stand up paddle race returns to the Blockade Runner at Wrightsville Beach January 17, 2015. Organized by Coastal Urge, a premier coastal lifestyle retailer with five locations in North and South Carolina, the race gives stand up paddlers a chance to get out on the water and see their friends during what is typically considered the “off season” for stand up paddling. “We started the race seven years ago to encourage people to keep their boards out of their garages and out on the water,” said Jeoffrey Nathan, Race Director and co-owner of Coastal Urge.

New this year is a swap meet and barbecue at the Wrightsville Beach Coastal Urge store at 2035 Eastwood Road. From 5-8 pm Friday the 16th, paddlers can sell their used paddle and surf gear and pick up some new (used gear) while enjoying a North Carolina pig pickin’—free to all race registrants. DJ Fray will be on hand to rock out and Coastal Urge brands will offer giveaways and raffles. Swap meet participants can check in at 5pm at Coastal Urge. Send any questions to ColdStroke@coastalurge.com

What began as a local race has turned into an event drawing people from up and down the east coast and around the world. “We always have the race the weekend after the Surf Expo so that people who are already out here can make a week of it.” Coastal Urge started by holding the race at the Dockside restaurant on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. “We used paper plates duct taped to our wetsuits—because we didn’t know any better than to wear wetsuits—for numbers,” said Nathan.

The race outgrew the original location and moved to the Blockade Runner in 2011. Many paddlers travel from out of town and make a weekend of it. “The Blockade Runner is a perfect location for our race with ample space for demos and exhibitors on the sound side beach and a natural launch point for the course.” A $99 special room rate is available for paddlers that weekend. (Link for lodging available through coldstrokeclassic.com.)

Both the Elite and Recreational courses travel around Harbor Island—the Rec takes one turn and the Elite, two. “It’s a nice route because you can always get out at any point during the course but there are still plenty of wind and tide conditions to negotiate.” Given the conditions during the last several years—including 20-25 mph winds generating wicked chop and water temperatures in the mid 50’s—a course that sticks close to civilization is appealing from a comfort and safety level. “Any winter race always produces good war stories,” said Nathan.

Beyond the camaraderie and challenge afforded by a mid-January event, all racers have the chance to compete for cash and prizes donated by Coastal Urge brands including Carve, Patagonia, Toms, Mountain Hardware, Prana, Vineyard Vines, Costa, Mountain Khakis, and many more. There’s a $1,250 cash purse for the elite and sprint races, and $5,000 prizes for the 3.5 mile recreational class.

Schedule and Details

Friday, January 16, 2015

12PM-8PM: Packet pickup at Coastal Urge, 2035 Eastwood Road
5PM-8PM: Pig Pickin’, Swap Meet, and giveaways at Coastal Urge

Saturday, December 17, 2015

9:30 AM: Racer's Meeting, Blockade Runner sound side beach
10 AM: Race Begins
12:45 PM: Awards Ceremony & After party

Throughout the day there will an exhibitors expo open to the public with free demos. The course will begin and end at the Blockade-Runner Beach Resort for both divisions. All paddling for the race will be on intracoastal waters. Racers will have on the water assistance from the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and SeaTow.

Divisions

Recreational Division

Registration Fee: Adults: $55 | Kids: $25

Kids 14 & under division
12'6" and under Women's
12'6" and under Men's
14' Men's

Elite Division

Registration Fee: $75
12'6" and under Men's
12'6" and under Women's
14' Men's

Men's unlimited

More information and to register visit http://www.coldstrokeclassic.com.

About Coastal Urge

Coastal Urge is a family of stores specializing in outfitting the active coastal lifestyle. There are five stores open in the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Myrtle Beach areas of the Coastal Carolinas. Available brands include Patagonia, The North Face, Carve, Arc'teryx, Prana, Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, TOMs, Mountain Khakis, Rayban, Olukai, Mountain Hardware, Southern Marsh, UGG, and Costa, among others. Owners Jeoffrey and Catherine Nathan opened the first retail location in 2008.
More at coastalurge.com