USA Paddleboard Championships to Partner With Jay Race

SANTA CRUZ, California - The Paddleboard side of USA Surfing confirmed today the date for its 2017 USA Paddleboard Championship Event and Team Trials - June 17, 2017. For the first time the USA Paddleboard Championship will be held in conjunction with The 16th Annual Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race (Jay Race) in Santa Cruz, California.

Originally, USA Surfing planned to have the Paddleboard trials for the National Team as a part of the USA Championships in Oceanside in conjunction with the SUP competition and team trials.

“The Jay Race is one of the very few marquee events for paddle boarders, the type no one wants to miss. By teaming up with the wonderful group at The Jay Moriarity Foundation, we can let the paddlers attend a race they honor while giving them a shot at making our national team. It’s a win-win,” stated USA Surfing’s CEO, Greg Cruse. “We are excited to make this happen.”

Steve Shlens, coach of the Paddleboard team for USA Surfing, had similar words. “Honestly, I couldn’t be happier about this partnership. Jay Moriarity was and remains an inspiration to everyone. He was a prone paddler, just like us, and was the type to embrace this exciting move. To have our national championship race at his event is nothing short of an honor. It’s the right move at the right time. The winners of the Stock Class men’s and women’s divisions will have the opportunity to represent the USA at the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships in Vorupør & Copenhagen, Denmark, September 1-10, 2017.”

Jay Race organizers including Jay Moriarity Foundation President, Kim Moriarity Wildey echoed these thoughts in her own inimitable way, adding, “I want to thank all of those who made this partnership happen. It is an absolute honor for us to have the Jay Race involved with the national paddle team. I know Jay would be honored and his smile is beaming down on all of us. Truly amazing.” Jay Race committee member, Duke Brouwer added, “The Jay Race has long been one of the most prestigious paddle board races in the United States. The partnership with USA Surfing is a perfect fit and validates the event’s 16-year dedication to high-quality competition and our love of paddle boarding.”

Registration for The Jay Race is open now. CLICK HERE to register.

Paddlers are encouraged to sign up at 16th Annual Jay Race. Information about the event schedule, course, and specifications are all online. Paddlers of all ages and abilities are welcome. All proceeds will go to the Jay Moriarity Foundation to raise funds for Angel Warriors for Kids to help children who are battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases, Junior Lifeguard Programs to purchase equipment and to provide scholarships in Jay’s name as well as other ocean related beneficiaries.

For more information on the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships, click HERE.