ANNOUNCING: Battle of the Paddle California 2011
RAINBOW SANDALS GERRY LOPEZ
BATTLE OF THE PADDLE CALIFORNIA
Doheny State Beach, CA, USA
Sept. 24 & 25, 2011
Dana Point, CA – (August 2, 2011) – The 4th annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez BATTLE OF THE PADDLE returns to Doheny State Beach, September 24 & 25, for the greatest battle yet.
Registration is now open for the SUP Expo and races with 1,000 participants expected to gather for the weekend of SUP festivities, including races worth $25,000 – the largest offering in the sport.
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The stand-up paddle phenomenon known as the Battle of the Paddle first ignited at Doheny State Beach, California, back in 2008. Since then, the ingenious formula of high energy races and stand-up paddle (SUP) exposition has become the heart beat of an industry and the pulse of a global lifestyle.
To accommodate the growing number of elite level athletes, Rainbow Sandals will introduce qualification heats for the Elite Race final in September. Doheny State Beach, as part of the California State Park System, offers the ideal venue to accommodate swelling numbers of athletes and a sea of spectators.
The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is an SUP festival and lifestyle exposition that includes races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. From beginners, to family and company relay teams, to high intensity elite competition, Battle of the Paddle is the showcase for the world’s fastest growing water sport.
The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is proudly supported by California State Parks; DSBIA; Clif Bar, Duke’s Restaurant; Hobie Surf Shop; Maui Jim Sunglasses; Kona Brewing Co.; Patagonia; and Riviera Paddleboards.
EVENTS OF THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE
Free SUP Expo:
Meet the world’s best shapers and manufacturers, check out their latest board designs and paddle innovations and purchase these goods at steep discounts. Naturally there will be demo boards and paddles of all shapes and sizes available for those who want to perfect their stroke or even try SUP for the first time.
Kids Activities:
The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association will be organizing kid’s activities and expo throughout the weekend. If your kid is open to maximum fun, have him/her enter the Kid’s SUP Races being organized by Keli Outrigger & Paddles Sports.
Historic & Cultural Wood Board Carving Workshop:
Rainbow Sandals, Kona Brewing Co., & Kanalu have teamed up to present the traditional Hawaiian wood board carving workshop and exhibition for the community. The workshops will be led by renowned traditional Hawaiian wood surfboard carver Tom Pohaku Stone, who will share the Hawaiian history and cultural significance of surfing. Stone and his crew will work together with the community to produce traditional “olo” surfboards, once relegated for use by the great Ali’i Nui (Chiefs) of Hawai’i. These boards will be carved from 18-foot redwood blanks provided by Larry Fuller.
Elite Race:(Saturday)
Featuring the world’s best SUPers including prior champions Danny Ching (Redondo Beach, CA), Chuck Patterson (Dana Point, CA), and Jamie Mitchell (Australia). Expect loads of excitement, thrills and spills as the top paddlers put it all on the line for cash & glory.
The course is a multiple lap circuit that includes paddling through the surf and beaching equipment for a short, flagged sand run.
2010 Champions:Danny Ching, California (men) & Candice Appleby, Hawaii (women).
Open Age-Group Race: (Saturday)
Open to everyone! The course is a friendly, fun and moderately challenging buoy course. Entrants can paddle any board of their choosing, including surfboard class, 12′6″, 14′ and Unlimited.
You can expect a record number of entries. Don’t miss out on being a part of history!
SUP Distance Race: (Sunday)
Competitors include a mixed bag of international talent and local hopefuls.
The Course is a scenic but challenging 10-mile course from Doheny State Beach to San Clemente Pier, and back.
SUP Surf Relay Race: (Sunday)
Includes prize money. Last year over 160 paddlers participated in the relays and had an incredible amount of fun doing it. Grab some family members or co-workers, maybe even a few new friends you’ve made on the beach and give it a go!
Everyone who enters The Battle of the Paddle will receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals, event tee and lunch. All event proceeds to go to the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.
Whether you’re racing for the prize or just getting started, the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez’s Battle of the Paddle is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Southern California’s original surf lifestyle, and the dynamic new surf paddle sport known as SUP.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jodi Wilmott, Email or +1.808.258-8533
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