Battle of the Paddle 2015 Cancelled

DANA POINT, California - Say it ain't so! Jay "Sparky" Longley and Gerry Lopez announced today that the 2015 Battle of the Paddle (BOP) isn't happening. For the past nine years, the BOP has been hosted by Rainbow Sandals and has grown to be the largest and most recognized SUP event in the world.

After and incredibly exciting event last year at the BOP, this news comes as a shock to the SUP community as participants and fans alike are in disbelief. The news came today via a press release from organizers Jay "Sparky" Longley and Gerry Lopez. See the press release below.

What are your thoughts on the iconic BOP being cancelled? Tell us in the comments below!

May 1, 2015

To the SUP & Paddleboard Community,

After nine amazing Battle of the Paddle events in California and Hawaii we are saddened to announce that the Rainbow Sandals will not be hosting the event for 2015.

The BOP has enjoyed incredible growth since it's inception, however, the economics of producing the event have become overwhelming and unsustainable for Rainbow Sandals, Inc.

Please know that the BOP has been an amazing journey and experience for everyone involved.

We thank all past competitors, sponsors and exhibitors for the tremendous support and participation. In addition, we want to acknowledge all local permitting agencies and safety personnel for allowing us to have such an event and making it safe for everyone to compete.

And lastly, we want to express genuine gratitude to all volunteers and event staff for your generous service and effort making the BOP one of the greatest water sporting events ever.

We sincerely appreciate everyone's love and support in this great endeavor and look forward to seeing you out on the water soon.

Much Aloha

Jay "Sparky" Longley and Gerry Lopez