New And Improved Courses Announced For 2016 Pacific Paddle Games

CARLSBAD, California – Course maps for the second annual Pacific Paddle Games presented by Salt Life have been set and include some exciting new updates from last year’s inaugural event. The preeminent paddling event, offering a $60,000 prize purse, will take place at Doheny State Beach, a California State Park in Dana Point, Sept 30 through Oct. 2. 

“The Pacific Paddle Games presented by Salt Life are all about excitement, from spectators watching the top athletes in the sport to paddlers participating in the Open races,” SUP magazine editor-in-chief Will Taylor says. “Every course was designed to maximize the experience for every paddler at #PPG2016.”

Pro Technical Course

DIVISIONS: PRO SUP Men/Women, PRO Jr SUP Boys/Girls, PRO Prone Men/Women

DETAIL: The Pro Technical course was designed to challenge competitors’ speed, surf skills, and change of direction. The “bow tie” shaped course has a mix of right and left hand turns, and features two buoys inside the surf line. The two buoys in the surf line are positioned just off the beach in water deep enough to execute a turn, not directly in the impact zone. By having the inside buoys on separate ends of the course, the chance of collisions will decrease.

LAP DISTANCE: 2 laps 0.8 miles
LAP DISTANCE FINALS: 3 laps, 1.2 miles

2015 Men's Technical Race at the Pacific Paddle Games. | Photo: OnitPro

Open Technical Course

DIVISIONS: All Open competitors

DETAIL: The Open Technical Course features a diamond shaped course that will challenge paddlers’ ability to make precise turns. All turning buoys will be outside the surf line. Competitors will go through the surf making left turns on buoys 1, 2, 3 and 4, then complete two more laps around the course (for a total of three laps). On the last lap, competitors will make a right shoulder turn on buoy 5 and proceed to the finish.

LAP DISTANCE: 3 laps, 0.9 miles

Youth Technical Course

DIVISIONS: Youth 10&U, 11-12, 13-14

DETAIL: The Youth Technical course was designed to challenge the ocean and racing skills of the intermediate level teenage paddlers, and advanced younger-aged youth. The advanced teenagers should compete in the Pro Jr. Division, allowing them more opportunity to showcase their surf racing skills. This course features nine turns. Competitors will start on the beach making a left shoulder turn on buoy 1, 2, and 3 before heading back towards buoy 1. On the final lap paddlers will make a right turn on buoy 4 after rounding buoy 2, then make their way back through the surf to the finish line. The 10&U will complete two laps, while all other age groups will complete three laps.

LAP DISTANCE 10&U: 2 laps, 0.6 miles
LAP DISTANCE 11-12 / 13-14: 3 laps, 0.8 miles

The Elite women prepare for their technical race start at the 2015 Pacific Paddle Games. | Photo: Supconnect

Distance Course

DIVISIONS: Pro/Open 6 Mile, Youth/Open 3 Mile

DETAIL: From a water start, paddlers will head south 1.4 miles to turning buoy 1. After rounding buoy 1 with a left shoulder turn, competitors will head to buoy 2, make a left turn on buoy 2 and 3, then head south again to the southern-most turning buoy (1). On the second lap, competitors will make a right shoulder turn at buoy 4 and proceed to the finish line. 3-mile competitors will make a right shoulder turn at buoy 4 on the first lap and proceed to the finish line. The Distance Course features buoy 2, where the crowd will be able to see the racers’ position after the first of two laps.

LAP DISTANCE PRO/OPEN: 2 laps, 6 miles
LAP DISTANCE YOUTH/OPEN: 1 lap, 3 miles

Registration for the 2016 Pacific Paddle Games is open Pacific Paddle Games with deadlines to enter quickly approaching on Sept. 16th for Pros and Sept. 23 for Open. THERE WILL BE NO ONSITE REGISTRATION. First 100 paddlers to register will get a Salt Life towel and all Open registrations in before Sept. 9 will be entered to win a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.

The 2016 Pacific Paddle Games wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Big thanks to Salt Life, GoPro, West Marine, Golden Road Brewing, Nexen Tire, California State Parks, KIND Bar, Kona Deep and Maui Jim.

Connor Baxter and Candice Appleby, 2015 Pacific Paddle Games Overall Champions. | Photo Courtesy: Pacific Paddle Games

ABOUT SALT LIFE

Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life”. Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life”. From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown to more than $30 million in annual sales, with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers.

Salt Life, LLC is operated as an operating subsidiary of Delta Apparel, Inc., where it has been managed since 2011. The flagship Salt Life retail store, which opened in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 2012, serves as a vision for retail customers to see product placements they can utilize in their stores and across multiple platforms. Salt Life's corporate office is located in Columbus, GA and their distribution center was recently relocated to Fayetteville, NC. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. saltlife.com/athletes/

ABOUT SUP MAGAZINE

SUP magazine is part of The Enthusiast Network (TEN) and is the leading multi-media publication in the standup paddling world. With a progressive, approachable style, SUP strives to push readers off the couch and onto the water. By blending engaging print and destination features, gear coverage and in-depth instructional pieces with in-house video and event write-ups on SUPthemag.com, SUP magazine is enhancing your view of the sport, all while getting you into the game. For more information, please visit SUPthemag.com.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network

TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world’s premier trans-media network of enthusiast brands, such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, HOT ROD, SURFER, TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARDING, and GRINDTV. With more than 60 websites, 50 publications, 50 annual events, the Motor Trend OnDemand subscription video-on-demand service, as well as the world’s largest automotive and action/adventure sports media platforms, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit enthusiastnetwork.com.