The 2008 Surftech Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard Race
On June 21st, 2008, Surftech will hold their annual Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard Race presented by QuikSilverEdition. Held in Santa Cruz, Ca. the race course offers prone and standup paddlers alike a rigorous 12 mile paddle straight into the heart of the Monterey Bay. In conjunction with the men’s event, ROXY returns to present the Roxy Women’s Paddleboard Challenge held simultaneously on the same 12 mile course. Known locally as “the Jay Race”, what started as a core local tribute to one of Santa Cruz’s most legendary watermen has become an internationally recognized event that draws top prone paddlers and standup paddlers from areas as far away as Florida, Hawaii & Australia. Requiring a combination of paddle skill and ocean knowledge, Santa Cruz’s notorious open ocean offers an exhilarating course that for the previous 4 years has been dominated by legendary paddler Gary Fortune of Southern California. While Gary will return to defend his title, this year’s event is expected to draw the largest turnout ever, with an array of world class competitors looking to take away his title. In anticipation of the turnout, the 2008 Jay Race is offering a prize purse for top prone paddle finishers in both the men’s and women’s event. Additionally The 2 top Overall men’s & women’s finishers and the top 2 men’s & women’s finishers from Northern California will earn free entries into the QuikSilverEdition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race to be held in Hawaii on July 27th
For the recreational paddler, there is a lot more to the event than just the full course, The Jay race is known as a great event for paddlers of all levels and ages. In addition to the 12 mile course, for 2008 there are different short courses set up for recreational paddlers, broken up in a range of age groups. From ¼ mile sprints for kids to respectable 2 mile paddles for adults, The Jay Race offers a great opportunity to celebrate a shared appreciation for paddling at all levels.
For more information about the 2008 Surftech Jay Moriarty Memorial Paddleboard Race and how to signup check out the event site at www.surftech.com
Thanks for posting this Evan. The Jay Race is a fantastic event that has grown in popularity, stature and fun over the last few years. The event is a fundraiser really, that provides scholarships for kids who cannot afford the fee to participate in the Junior Lifeguard program in Santa Cruz. This program has taught foundational water safety skills to hundreds of kids over the years and is a premier program in our community.
There are tons of event categories for everyone. You don’t have to be a hardcore racer to have fun. I’ll be in the two mile paddle event and having a ball. When I’m done I’ll stand by and cheer on the 12 mile finishers. It will be a fun day for everyone.
I hope everyone who can participate will do so. No one who does will regret it.