Paddlers Racing To Help Our Sonoma Napa Friends

Our 2017 race season kicked off with a bit of luck, weather luck that is. We'd like to think it was the karma effect knowing the days action was a charitable affair with all the proceeds from racing going to the Napa Sonoma Fire Victims. (pictured the racers charging off the starting line)

Luck means we were able to hit a near perfect weather window with the rains stopping just about the time we broke from the skippers meetings. As the rain faded away the winds receeded with it and the racers were treated to a windless, glassy, race course that saw the long distance fleet tackling a 5 mile course and the short courser's going 2 miles. 

In addition to the normal fare we served up a dose of SUP Run Action. It was our second ever attempt at the SUP Run format that sees paddlers first charging a 4 mile SUP race followed immediately by a 4 mile run. If you are looking for something new we are sure this is going to be a great format for future races so look for the next one in the spring of 2018. While it is a race it's really more of a personal challenge that has paddlers trying new things in a race really with themselves. Pictured below with their Quickblade First Place prizes are your SUP Run Race winners Barry Wicks for the men, and Madeleine King for the ladies. Thanks to Quickblade for the killer blades!

We took a moment at the outset to count our blessings as we reflected on helping our neighbors whose lives have been turned upside down by the recent fires. We had OC1, Surfski, OC2, Prone, Kayak, and SUP classes but the highlight was the keiki in the OC1 fleet. To see all that young blood paddling so well it really served notice of a bright future for paddling that gives us hope amidst the recent carnage. 

We start our thanks with the many of the paddlers who pitched in a bit extra cash during the registration process. That extra giving along with all the race entrance fees added up to $1865 in proceeds that will hopefully help some folks in what ever small way it can. We also have to thank the businesses that support our sport and by doing so our community. As we look forward to our 6th Year Anniversary next weekend we also look back on the names that were there at the start. Hint Water and Kind Bars simply get what we are doing here and it's mutual. Water with no sugar, and bars that balance protein vs sugar in a way thats healthful alings with out passion for balance. Life however is about indulging sometimes to; a treat well earned as we say. And when we treat do we do it with Mamie's Pies and Three Twins Ice Cream. Local Bay Area companies that focus on making the best, and they do it right here in our back yard. One last shout out to the Fruit Guys. It's easy to keep healthy snacks around. Just have them brought to you and let the Fruit Guys do it. Great for the office too.

A special note of thanks on the side to Mark Craig. Mark played the safety sweeper roll and made sure everyone got home safe. We told mark 99% return rate is not good enough and he was up for the challenge. We also have to thank Epic Kayaks Kenny Howe who provided some apres paddle fun for the racers with free pony rides on the Epic Surfski's.  

Thanks one more time to Andy Toro for his tireless contribution to paddle sports. Andy is the brain child behind the SUP Run format and we see good times ahead for this new racing challenge. 

We have quite the full calendar of racing this year. We announced that we would be moving our November 18th race to Sunday November 19th. That wil allow all the paddlers to get in a double header weekend just before the Thanksgiving Holiday. First hit the Saturday November 18th Wave Chaser Benicia race that celebrates the live of Charlie Banfield. Then on Sunday pop on over to our first San Rafael Race of the year. 

One last big thanks to all the paddlers who raced. That spirit to show up on rainy day and make it happen makes us proud to be part of this community.  

2017/18 Remaining Paddle Race Dates

Sunday November 19^th San Rafael Paddle Race 2-mile and 6-mile courses - Registration Here

Saturday December 9^th San Rafael Paddle Sprints & Buoy Racing - No online sign up - just show up!

Saturday December 16^th San Rafael Paddle Race 2-mile and 6-mile courses - Registration Here         

Saturday January 13^th San Rafael Paddle Race 2-mile and 6-mile courses - Registration Here

Saturday January 27^th San Rafael Paddle Sprint & Buoy Racing  - No online sign up - just show up!               

Saturday February 3^rd San Rafael Paddle Race 2-mile and 6-mile courses - Registration Here

Saturday February 24^th San Rafael Paddle Sprint & Buoy Racing  - No online sign up - just show up!

Saturday March 3^rd San Rafael Paddle Race 2-mile and 6-mile courses- Registration Here

Results - SUP Run

Results - Long Course

Results - Short Course 

Pictured below Janet Walp leads Madeleine King. Note this is not a staged shot and yes those are rainboots. Walp however would relinquish the lead shortly after this photo was taken. #norules #thatshowweroll