The Battle Of The Paddle Begins
The sport of stand up paddle surfing, or “SUP,” has ancient Polynesian roots, but was popularized in the early 60s by the Beach Boys of Waikiki.
To witness some SUPers in action, head to Battle of the Paddle on September 29 and 30 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. According to the organizers, the event is “the pulse of a global lifestyle.”
This year marks the fifth Battle of the Paddle and over 1,000 avid paddlers from around the world are expected to surf. SUP athletes will compete for over $25,000 in cash and prizes, the biggest winnings offered in all of SUP, according to the organizers. Contests include a relay race and a “scenic but challenging” 9.5 mile distance race.
Entrants will also participate in two Guinness World Record bids. The first, on the beginning day of battle, is just for “the world’s largest paddleboard race.” The second is for “most surfers riding a single wave.” Racers will be trying to outdo the 110 surfers who set the record in Cape Town, South Africa in 2009.
In a bonus, according to the organizers, Dana Point ranks “as the whale watching capital of the world.”
Sick SUP and whales, what are you waiting for?
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