Paddle Articles

California Race Preview - Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge

 

Time for some more SoCal Racing! One of the longest running races in California, 20 years as the Hanohano Ocean Challenge and 6 years prior to that when run as the Excel Surfski Race, this race is a huge destination for paddlers of all ages, experience and speed. You WILL find someone at your level here. And as is often the case with these races, you will also find some really friendly paddlers. Learn more here about the race, the courses and some tips and tricks to make it a positive experience for you.

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SoCal Winter Series Preview - La Jolla Invitational

SoCal Winter Race Series
This series of race previews is an 'unaffiliated' effort to share experiences from each of the races that comprise Southern California's Winter Series of Races for OC1, OC2, Surf-Ski, SUP and Prone Paddlers. - This week we spotlight the La Jolla Invitational! All ocean. Beach Launch. A great opportunity for those first timers wanting to try oc1, surfski, prone or sup.
And be sure to check back for other race previews as they come up this winter. Gonna be a fun season! NorCal, if anyone is interested in contributing similar paddle and race previews, we'd love to team up!

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CP Race Spotlight - The California River Quest

California River Quest

Cali Paddler loves exploration. Point to point paddles. New water challenges and variety. And we have always been infatuated with races and events that challenge paddles to push beyond the norm. Physically and mentally. To be rewarded with accomplishments that re-invent what we 'can' do'!

In 2019 a rebirth of sorts will be taking place. The beloved California 100 river race used to be a pinnacle of racing achievement in our state. And two paddler rockstars have taken the steps to bring back this magic, in new form. And with various distance options to make sure paddlers are not intimidated by big numbers. Please welcome the CALIFORNIA RIVER QUEST to our calendar, and Emily Matthews who was kind enough to shed some light on this Memorial Day paddle awesomeness!

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CP Race Preview - 2019 Catalina Wild Buffalo Relay - Every Question You Want Answers To

Wild Buffalo Relay Race PreviewAfter a huge success in its first year, the Wild Buffalo Relay is ready for its second iteration. We reached out to the team at Puakea Designs to see what was is new and changing in 2019. Check out the info below!

News about the Toyota SoCal Wild Buffalo Relay presented by Puakea Designs hit the California paddling community with raised eye-brows and plenty of excitement. But with it came tons of questions about details, logistics and costs. Cali Paddler wanted to get the answers to as many questions as we could. We reached out to folks with what they wanted to know. So Hopefully anyone on the fence is able to get their questions answered below and can join in the fun. Thank you to Maddie Spoto and Kelly Schwartz from Puakea Designs for taking the time to answer everything we could throw their way!

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CP Race Preview - WaveChaser Benicia

WaveChaser - Benicia[ This Benicia Race article is part of a series of Race Previews where we spotlight and showcase different racing opportunities for us to enjoy. ]

With a storied history, the WaveChaser Series is a wonderful part of the NorCal Race scene. Much like the SoCal Winter Racing Series, this group of races lasts from Fall until Spring, and gives paddlers the chance to race each other at various locations. With multiple courses at each to ensure each paddler has something they can tackle, you can't go wrong when you register and attend. Plus, the social scene is a big part of the community and you will certainly go home with more friends when when you arrived.

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California Race Preview - Another Dam Race (ADR)

Another Dam Race ADRAnother Dam Race (ADR) - Parker Arizona

For those of you who haven’t paddled Another Dam Race (ADR), you are probably wondering what it is all about. So, having gone last year and gotten the first hand experience, we wanted to share with you some answers to common questions that we had, and you might too.

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CP Race Spotlight - SundayX3 - A Community Race Series (and a model for others to follow)

Sunday X3 Race Series SpotlightThe SundayX3 Race series, also known as SundaySundaySunday, is entering its 5th summer. A three part summer series of races that has focused on the paddlers and their wants and needs vs. big corporate direction. The result is a family friendly, competitive, and well-organized race that keeps on getting better each year.

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SoCal Winter Series Preview - Santa Barbara Return to the Pier Race

Santa Barbara Return to the Pier Race PreviewWhat set this race apart for me, however, is the location. The fact that it is a little way out of crowded SoCal and the beach is maybe a little cleaner is worth the drive. Everything seems to run on time, at least for a paddleboard race, and like may races, everyone is stoked to be there.

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California Race Preview - Turkey Paddle (SUP) by West Coast Paddle Sports and SDCKT

This fun fun fun morning on the water is a great chance to work off some of the turkey you ate, and hang out with your paddle family after a day of your genetic family. (Don't worry we won't put you on the spot and ask which you prefer).

While anyone can put on a race and give a prize to first place, the team at West Coast Paddle Sports have gotten really creative to help make this a different event. Everything from requiring you to pick up a floating rubber ducky during the race (look for the specially marked ones that get you Cali Paddler prizes), to radical zig-zagging courses where you paddle opposite of other paddlers. And then there is the inflatable races and rubber ducky races. Like we said, this event is fun!

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