O'Neill Tahoe Cup Race Series - Donner Lake

For the first stop in the O'Neill Tahoe Cup Series competitors braved winter-like conditions as they raced Donner Lake in the snow and frigid temperatures. 

Competitors contemplate the icy waters of Donner Lake while keeping warm in their jackets, gloves and beanies.

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DONNER LAKE, California -- The first stop of the O’Neill Tahoe Cup Race Series was held at Donner Lake on May 28th. The event was met with unusual winter like conditions making the race extremely challenging for competitors.

The day started out with sunshine lighting up the snow-capped backdrop, but by the time the starting horn blasted a light snow began to fall. The 5-mile race started at the West End Beach Park where competitors paddled 2.5 miles along the south shore of Donner before making the crossing near China Cove. Once the buoy on the north shore was reached, there was an upwind 2.5-mile paddle back to the West End Beach Park and the finish line.

The Men’s race was a tight two-man show between Jay Wild and Robert Pelkey. The teammates set the pace from the start and eventually distanced themselves from the pack at the China Cove crossing. Heading into the wind for the final 2.5 miles, Jay managed to keep a slight edge on Robert and found another gear to pull away in the final .5 mile to take the Donner Lake Overall and 14’ titles.

“The conditions where typical for a Tahoe Memorial Day weekend” said Wild, “This is a great event in it’s third year running and I am happy to take the win."

The second stop of the O’Neill Tahoe Cup SUP Race Series is set for July 9, 2011. The Jam from the Dam is a 6-mile point to point race that starts at Commons Beach and finishes at Kings Beach.

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