Battle of the Paddle California 2011
- Written by Morgan Becker
- Published in News
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
Last year it was Danny Ching's turn to take the Battle of the Paddle victory. This year he will have to fight off an increasingly stacked elite field of paddlers including Jaime Mitchell, Conor Baxter, Slater Trout and Rob Rojas.
Danny Ching holds off other paddlers in last year's Battle of the Paddle Dana Point.
Check out highlights from the Battle of the Paddle Hawaii
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Dana Point, California - The stand up paddle phenomenon known as the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez “Battle of the Paddle” (BOP) first ignited at Doheny State Beach, California, back in 2008.
Since then, the ingenious formula of high-energy races and stand-up paddle (SUP) exposition has become the heartbeat of an industry and the pulse of a global lifestyle.
The fourth annual Battle of the Paddle 2011 returns to Doheny State Beach September 24 & 25, and by all accounts will be the greatest battle yet.
Southern California takes center stage with close to 1,000 entries expected to do battle for the $25,000 purse. To accommodate the growing number of elite level athletes, Rainbow Sandals will introduce heats to the Elite Race.
Doheny State Beach, as part of the California State Park System, offers the ideal venue to accommodate swelling numbers of athletes and a sea of spectators.
The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is an SUP festival and lifestyle exposition that includes races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. From beginners, to family and company relay teams, to high intensity elite competition, Battle of the Paddle is the showcase for the world’s fastest growing water sport.
Register online at www.battleofthepaddle.com
EVENTS OF THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE
Free SUP Expo:
Meet the world's best shapers and manufacturers, check out their latest board designs and paddle innovations and purchase these goods at steep discounts. Naturally there will be demo boards and paddles of all shapes and sizes available for those who want to perfect their stroke or even try SUP for the first time.
Kids Activities:
The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association will be organizing kid's activities and expo throughout the weekend. If your kid is open to maximum fun, have him/her enter the Kid's SUP Races being organized by Keli Outrigger & Paddles Sports.
Elite Race:(Saturday)
Featuring the world's best SUPers including prior champions Danny Ching (Redondo Beach, CA), Chuck Patterson (Dana Point, CA), and Jamie Mitchell (Australia). Expect loads of excitement, thrills and spills as the top paddlers put it all on the line for cash & glory. The course is a multiple lap circuit that includes paddling through the surf and beaching equipment for a short, flagged sand run.
2010 Champions: Danny Ching, California (men) & Candice Appleby, Hawaii (women).
Open Age-Group Race: (Saturday)
Open to everyone! The course is a friendly, fun and moderately challenging buoy course. Entrants can paddle any board of their choosing, including surfboard class, 12'6", 14' and Unlimited. You can expect a record number of entries. Don't miss out on being a part of history!
SUP Distance Race: (Sunday)
Competitors include a mixed bag of international talent and local hopefuls. The Course is a scenic but challenging 10-mile course from Doheny State Beach to San Clemente Pier, and back.
SUP Surf Relay Race: (Sunday)
Includes prize money. Last year over 160 paddlers participated in the relays and had an incredible amount of fun doing it. Grab some family members or co-workers, maybe even a few new friends you've made on the beach and give it a go!
Everyone who enters The Battle of the Paddle will receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals, event tee and lunch. All event proceeds to go to the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association. The Kona Brewing Beer Garden will be open 11-4pm each day with live musical entertainment.
Whether you're racing for the prize or just getting started, the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez's Battle of the Paddle is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Southern California's original surf lifestyle, and the dynamic new surf paddle sport known as SUP.
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Morgan Becker
After spending the first part of her life in Minnesota, Morgan traded in her snow boots for sandals and moved to sunny California. After graduating with a degree in Communication from The University of Southern California, she eventually made her way down south to San Diego and is taking advantage of the living by the best beaches and burritos California has to offer. If it’s sunny, you can find her at the beach relaxing, or exploring the calm water in the bay via paddleboards and kayaks.
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