San Francisco Bay Fall/Winter Paddle Racing Season Preview
Unlike most places in the world that paddle race during the summer racing here on San Francisco Bay is pretty much a winter affair. The summer winds subside, the fog recedes, and it's time to start racing.
One of the best parts about the NorCal racing scene is the inclusive and supportive community that makes it happen. COVID had hit us pretty hard and it's great to see that season looks to be a full return to normalcy. We've built a list of all the races we know about but expect that we will see a bunch more pop up as the Outrigger Canoe Clubs start building out fuller schedules. If you know of any races we have missed please send an email to info@101surfsports.com and we will add them here and to our event calendar.
Most races we list include Outrigger, Surf Ski, Prone Paddleboard, Stand Up Paddleboard, and Kayak divisions but do check each race site for details.
SEPTEMBER
September 3rd -The Petaluma Paddle Marathon is just what it sounds like. A Marathon, and Half Marathon, paddle race on the Petaluma River. Hosted by North Bay Rowing Club we'll more post info here and on our calendar when we get it.
September 16th - The longest race of the year is the Tahoe Fall Classic. 22 miles all the way across Lake Tahoe. This one is not for beginners but should be on any serious paddler's list. Paddle Race Across Lake Tahoe Info Here
September 30th - The 101 Surf Sports Winter Paddle Racing Series kicks off with the Oktoberfest Paddle Race. Racing here is perfect for first-time racers and elite athletes alike. You can even rent full-race setups at a discounted rate. Our 2-mile short course is totally protected and inside the boundaries of the San Rafael canal while our 6-mile long course sends more experienced racers into open waters. Our races are famous for their apres race lunch buffets and relaxed atmosphere. As it is Oktoberfest we highly recommend all racers consider Lederhosen and any other Oktoberfest-themed attire to help set the appropriate mood. Racing is held in Outrigger Canoe, Surfski, SUP, Kayak, & Prone paddleboard classes. These races have been known to sell out so register early! More info and register here.
OCTOBER
October is jam-packed with paddle-racing action. With racing every weekend you can always find somewhere to get on the starting line.
October 7th - Surfrider Bodega Bay Race. The annual fundraiser for Surfrider puts the FUN in FUNdraiser. This annual family-friendly race at Doran Beach even has an Animal & SUP race. More Info coming soon!
October 7th - Alameda Aquathalon. Run, Swim, SUP, repeat! More Information
October 14th - Battle of the Bay, Sausalito. The second longest-running race on San Francisco Bay with racing in all forward-facing classes. The action centers on the dynamic waters of Richardson Bay and the breathtaking backdrop of the San Francisco skyline & Golden Gate Bridge. With a 4-mile short course and an 8-mile long course it's a race to train for. More Information
October 21st - The 41st Annual Sea Trek Regatta is the longest-running paddle race on the Bay. The annual benefit race for Environmental Travelling Companions has by far the biggest attendance of any local race. The after-race food trucks and free-flowing libations make for a great after-race hangout. More Information
October 28th - Race #2 in the 101 Surf Sports Race Series is all about Halloween! So grab your best get up and while you may not win the race, you may win the best costume contest! More Information
NOVEMBER
November 10-12th - The 2023 USA SUP National Championships in Long Beach is the first truly unified SUP race to decide our National Champions. The newly formed USA SUP Organization has a full agenda of Stand Up Paddleboard racing in Sprint, Technical, and Long Distance formats that will decide your national champions.
More Information SUP National Championships
November 18th -101 Surf Sports Race #3 Pilgrims & Turkeys. Take our Halloween race, change the theme to Thanksgiving, and let's go! More Information
DECEMBER
December 16th - 101 Surf Sports Race #4 Elves & Grinches Paddle Race. See Race #3 and now let's do Christmas. More Information
JANUARY
January 20th - 101 Surf Sports Race #5 - The Year of the Dragon. Take your normal 101 Surf Sports race and add dim sum. More Information
So while it's not a Bay Area race we'd be remiss to not mention San Diego's Hano Hano race. This is the biggest paddle race in California and mixes up family fun with some highly competitive racing. If SoCal is on your radar this is one to put on the bucket list. The 2024 date is January 27th. More Information
FEBRUARY
February Date TBD but usually the first Saturday In February- - The Cow Patty Pageant. By far the zaniest race of the year. Based on the Estero Americano the long course ventures some 13 miles to the Oceans edge and back. The after-race dinner is one epic party not to be missed. More Information
February 17th - 101 Surf Sports Race #6 Mardis Gras! Let's eat gumbo and race. More Information
MARCH
March 16th - 101 Surf Sports Race #7 A St. Patricks Party, er we mean race, in San Rafael More Information
March Date TBD - The Santa Cruz Paddlefest is the biggest race in Northern California and the only one that has surfing as a discipline. Many competitors sign up just to get a shot at Surfing Steamers Lane without any crowd. With Waveski, Surf Kayak, SUP, Surfski, Prone Paddleboard, and Outrigger canoes it's really a water sports festival.
Another fun race that goes on all winter is the Berkeley Paddling and Rowing Club (BPRC) Time Trial Mixers. Short-format racing in a fun social atmosphere in the most protected waters around. They provide updates via Facebook so make sure to follow them! More Information
Finally, we let you know that the California River Quest has set its 2024 race date. Ever race 100 Miles? Well, you can May 25-26th, and this year it's back on the river! More Information
If you know of any other races please send along the information to info@101surfsports.com and we will see you on the starting line.
