Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Races Offer $20,000

WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2013. 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
WHERE: Santa Monica Pier
WHAT: 2013 Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Races Expecting Largest Turnout Ever

SANTA MONICA, California - Hundreds of the best SUP and prone paddleboard racers will converge on the Santa Monica Pier early in the morning on Saturday June 8 to vie for $20,000 worth of prizes.

Now in its fourth year, the Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Races and Ocean Festival presented by Tommy Bahama has grown from a small competition dreamed up by a group of local paddlers into what is now one of the largest and most successful events of its kind. In addition to paddleboard races, this year’s event also includes open-water swim races for both adults and children and a full slate of beach games for kids. 

"The Santa Monica Pier Paddle has been a favorite event since its beginning four years ago,” said Jim Terrell, founder and owner of Quickblade Paddles. “The addition of a such a substantial prize purse this year makes it even more attractive to the sport's top competitors who will be traveling to compete from as far away as Hawaii and Mexico. This is definitely one of the premiere SUP events in the country.”

Since the first Santa Monica Pier Paddle four years ago the sport has exploded in popularity and expanded its geographic reach across the globe. 

“Stand up paddling is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. With its history deeply rooted in Hawaii, Southern California and the island lifestyle, this sport is a great fit for our brand,” said Rob Goldberg, SVP of Marketing for Tommy Bahama, which is presenting sponsor of the event. “That, combined with the ideal location at the Santa Monica Pier and the broader appeal of this event for not just the competitors but also for families, kids and spectators, makes it a perfect event for us.”

The all-day, family friendly event is a celebration of surf, paddleboard and lifeguard history, Saturday June 8, 2013.
In addition to drawing elite SUP and paddleboard racers, the event features ocean swims, lifeguard dory competitions, youth activities and an all day festival on the pier. Hula dance groups will perform all day.

Spectators can enjoy a pop surf history museum or grab a drink a Tommy Bahama rum drink or a Sierra Nevada beer in the rum and beer garden overlooking the ocean and the finish line.

The Pier paddle event is a benefit for Santa Monica-based Heal the Bay and its public marine education facility, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium that is housed underneath the historic Pier Carousel. Heal the Bay will receive a portion of net proceeds from the event.

Historic exhibits will feature antique surfboards, paddleboards, lifeguard equipment and vintage automobiles tied to local beach culture. Paddleboard racing was a popular Santa Monica sport in the 1940s with two paddleboard clubs headquartered on the pier.

Event partners and sponsors include: Tommy Bahama, Sierra Nevada, Honest Tea, Quickblade Paddles, SUP America Tour presented by Natural Vines, Suplove, Clif Bar, KIIS-FM, 987 FM, the Shore Hotel, Heal the Bay, ZJ Boarding House, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica City TV, Santa Monica Daily Press, World Paddle Association and the National Doryman’s Association.

For more information, visit www.pierpaddle.com or www.facebook.com/pierpaddle.

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