Battle of the Paddle Events Just Around the Corner

This was the scene at start of the elite race at the Battle of the Paddle 2012.

DANA POINT, California - The 6th annual Battle of the Paddle California will take place in one week and a day!  The dates are set in stone for September 28 & 29, 2013 and paddlers will converge upon the traditional location of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California.

This year there will be several races taking place.  There will be two main events on Saturday and two on Sunday.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH:

*The first and most anticipated is the Elite Race.  This is a race in and out of the surf and includes a brief sand run in between laps on the elite race course.  The top finishers from 2012 will be back along with many new faces looking to take the title for themselves!  It will consist of trials in the morning and a final heat in the afternoon.

*Another race being held on Saturday is the Open Age-Group Race.  This is an event open to everyone and anyone who wants to participate. It can be paddled on any shape or size stand up paddleboard and will total 4 miles long.  Be alert as this race could have a record setting number of participants.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH:

*On Sunday the 29th there will also be two major races. The day will begin with the SUP distance race which the event organizers have elevated to a "championship" status this year.  Both elite men and women will be on 14'0 boards.  Other non-elite paddlers can also enter the race by age group and can ride 12'6, 14'0 or unlimited size boards and there is also a new multi-person division.  The course is 9.5 miles from Doheny Beach to the San Clemente Pier and then loops back to Doheny for the finish.  It's interesting to note that personal flotation devices are mandatory this year!

*Sunday will also be sporting SUP Relay Races!  Winners will receive prize money and there will be two divisions.  The elite relays will be fast and furious while the open division will bring fun for families and friends who are looking for a great time. Remember that each team requires at least one women!

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Some final events/activities this year include a KID'S SUP RACE & the DSBIA Kid’s Zone.  Also, there will be TWO GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPTS to 1. have the world's largest sup paddleboard race (the open race on Saturday), and 2. to have the most surfers riding a single wave which is currently held by surfer in Cape Town South Africa with 110 surfers back in 2009 (on Sunday around the conclusion of the event).

For more information about the 2013 Battle of the Paddle events visit the Official Battle of the Paddle Website!

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