Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge Will Form Part Of 2016 SUP World Series

HOOD RIVER, Oregon - The Waterman League is proud to announce that the downwind race of the legendary Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge will form part of the 2016 Stand Up World Series as one of its official long distance races to provide the World's Best with one of the World's best downwind runs.

After epic races in both Japan and Germany that have provided exceptional flat water conditions that were brought to life by the introduction of the Super Lap format, the desire to compliment these kind of races with a World Class downwind race has been a priority for the World Series. As options were explored, it became clear that there is no place better than the River Gorge in the summer time to make this happen, and with the phenomenal job that the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge crew have done to build this event over the past few years, the opportunity to align this dedicated downwind race with the World Championship Series has become a reality.

The Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge will take place on the weekend of the 20th - 21st August, with the World Series downwind component scheduled to take place on Saturday 20th. However, please note that subject to conditions, there is the possibility that the race will be contested on Sunday should the day's conditions prove preferable. The race will feature a 14' max board class for the Men and 12'6 for the Women and be classified as one of the Official Distance Races of the 2016 Stand Up World Series.

Full entry and event information is available at www.gorgepaddlechallenge.com

2014 Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge.

With the announcement of the Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge's integration into the World Series this year, the backend of the 2016 season is shaping up to be dramatic to say the least.

Red Bull Heavy Water, San Francisco: 1st - 28th September (holding period)

Following right on from this World Class downwind race in Oregon, the holding period for the Red Bull Heavy Water in San Francisco will kick off on the 1st September for this groundbreaking Invitational event that will pit the World's Best against each other in one of the most challenging arena's imaginable - for more on this event, click here. watermanleague.com/red-bull-heavy-water

US Open of Stand Up Paddling, San Diego: 4th - 9th October

Following the Heavy Water event the World Series will then head south for a World Series Sprints event as part of the 2016 US Open to take place in San Diego from the 4th - 9th October (the Sprints will take place on the final day of action on Sunday 9th). The World Series Sprint format in the California beach breaks is definitely a crowd favorite so stay tuned for Official information on the US Open to follow this month, together with the opening of entries, course info and much more.

World Series Finals at Turtle Bay, Hawaii: 14th - 16th October

After the US Open it will then be time to head back to Turtle Bay for the prestigious World Series Finals that will take place from the 14th - 16th October. With all new event components to be introduced in 2016 to compliment the existing and dramatic World Series Sprints and Long distance (modified for 2016 with a finish at Waimea Bay) formats, it will be a weekend to remember on Oahu's Fabled North Shore with sports, music and entertainment for all the family.

Stay tuned for more information and build up to this dramatic Series of North American events at www.watermanleague.com