USA-Canada Rivalry Resumes At NC Surf To Sound Challenge

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, North Carolina - Every year in the men's division, and the past two years in the women's division, Canadians captured the top standup paddle board victories in the punishing 6.5-mile Surf to Sound Challenge. Now celebrating its' 5th anniversary, the family-friendly USA-Canada rivalry resumes in Wrightsville Beach, NC, November 6-8, 2015.

"The Canadians excel in part due to their strong Olympic canoe paddling backgrounds," says April Zilg of Wilmington, NC, one of the top-25 women in World Rankings by SupRacer.com and 2014 Surf to Sound runner-up. "They also build a strong base by cross training in their [longer] off-season. They're excellent technical paddlers and always hold their own." Larry Cain, an Olympic gold medalist and a member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, agrees. "Canoe experience definitely helps. Most of the Canadians who race at Surf to Sound come from a canoe background," says Cain, a coach for the Canadian Canoe Kayak Team in the Pan Am Games, World Championships, and World Cup events in Europe.

Mark Schmidt, 2015 Race Director, expects significant growth for North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge, possibly doubling in size over last year depending on weather conditions. "The race is regional, primarily attracting participants from the East Coast and Canada," says Schmidt. "Surf to Sound Challenge is more of a family of paddlers getting together," says Schmidt. "I don't believe people really think about this as a rivalry. Racers are wrapping up the year and looking for that last race before winter. Surf to Sound Challenge is a good wrap on the season."

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Weekend races cover 20-miles including the 6.5-mile Surf to Sound Challenge, the 4-mile Harbor Island Outer Loop, the 9-mile Blockade Runner Flatwater Championship, and a Kids Race. Jarrod Covington, expert instructor and Master Waterman, will direct Paddle Surf Competition. All races will begin and end at the host hotel, Blockade Runner Beach Resort.

Pictured left: Larry Cain | Photo: Jon Clarke

"[Saturday's] ocean-start is the most difficult part of the weekend," says Schmidt. "There can be big surf and the beginning of the 6.5-mile race can be very challenging."

"Last year we started a 9-mile race on Sunday, The Blockade Runner Flatwater. What I'm seeing this year is almost equal registrations with Saturday and Sunday races," says Schmidt. "Some paddlers are racing in both, and other people want the distance but not the conditions in the ocean. Adding this race to the schedule is a big plus."

In addition to exhibits, equipment demonstrations, and a menu of races for all skill levels, North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge offers opportunities to learn from big hitters in the sport of SUP. Friday, November 6, Cain, three-time Surf to Sound Champion will teach a clinic covering advanced paddle techniques. April Zilg, winner of 2015's 12-mile Key West Classic, will tutor a class in paddle technique and strategy, and Jarod Covington will instruct a beginner and intermediate session in standup paddle surfing. All clinics are limited and require advance registration.

"I haven't raced much since the Carolina Cup [in April]," says Cain, who spent much of the year coaching. "I still managed to train very hard on my board and expect to be in good shape at Surf to Sound." Surf to Sound Challenge will be Larry Cain's first race outside Canada using Starboard equipment.

The 5th Annual North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge is presented by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club, organizers of the prestigious Carolina Cup, and sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA).

To see more news and from the Surf to Sound Challenge, click here.