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SoCal Winter Series Preview - La Jolla Invitational

by Cali Paddler 0 comments
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

by Cali Paddler 0 comments

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

by Ad Sales 0 comments
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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Paddling 100 miles at the Cal 100

by Cali Paddler 2 comments
Cal 100 Paddle Race
Have you been curious about California longest paddle race? An amazing 100, 50 or 25 mile amazing river experioence? Join John Acosta as he shares with us his experience of this awesome race and event benefiting Rivers for Change.

"Last week, it was announced that registration was now open for the 2017 Cal 100 paddle.  Therefore, I figured it was probably about time for me to write about my experience there during the 2016 event and hopefully help others prepare for their trip down the river."

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Another One for the Books - Kula Anela Race Recap

by Cali Paddler 1 comment
Kula Anela Outrigger Canoe RaceCali Paddler is honored to share this contribution from Priscilla Tran of Ke Kai O'Uhane after her recent race at Kula Anela (Angel Island) in San Francisco Bay. Enjoy being seat 1 with her in this awesome recap.

“So, who is gonna be our seat 1 for the race?”

All eyes are pointed towards me and finally someone spoke up and said, “You are.”

I heard myself say, “Ok,” but on the inside I was screaming, “Why me!  Why!  Why! Why!  What if I don’t do well enough for my crew?  What if I’m not strong enough for this?”

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Elements of Recovery - A Na Pali Bucket List Story

by Clarke Graves 2 comments
I'd like to think I have never taken paddling for granted. And the good health that lets me paddle. But I am sure over the years I have enjoyed this sport, I have done just that. Taken for granted our waters, the camaraderie of teammates, and the athleticism paddling provides me. So as you can imagine, when a back injury took away my ability to comfortably sit, stand, walk and paddle, I scolded myself for having not appreciated it even more.

Little did I know that a chance to paddle in a race I have dreamed about doing for 6 years would come along. And that I would be able to resume a paddling addiction that had been threatened in the year prior due to injury.

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Dragon Newby

by Megs Phillips 0 comments

Cali Paddler Dragon BoatThe arm tasked with the pull got no rest or reprieve. My muscles burned and my heart was ready to burst from my chest. I had to remember to breathe, but there was no time! It was already over, and the euphoria was bursting through my face.

“What just happened? I want more!” From the shore, I could see friends and family jumping up and down with excitement. I felt like a puppy, and found myself wishing I had a tail to wag happily behind me, as if asking “Was that good? Did I do okay?”

Join Team Writer Megs on her recent journey to the land of Dragons!

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Pacific Paddle Games - What was it like for the rest of us?

by Cali Paddler 0 comments
Pacific Paddle Games 2015- Start of Women's Prone
By now you have seen recaps of the elite races. Looked at photos of the most crazy wipe-outs, and we have heard about how the pros came to play (and did not disappoint in the least). But our mantra at Cali Paddler is to Be EPIC (Every Paddler in California). And so we took the chance to get a recap from 'one of us' for this years Pacific Paddle Games. Read first hand from Maggie Adams, founder of Blue Paddle SUP, about California's new world stage race in Dana Point.

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MBX 2015 - A SoCal Paddler Perspective

by Cali Paddler 1 comment
Monterey Bay Crossing - Map
Paddle Recap - As we try and bridge the different paddle regions of our state we often reach out to those who travel from their normal waters to try something a little different. Thank you to Conrad Stielau for taking the time to do this interview and share his impressions. This adventure-loving paddler from San Diego and friends from the Newport/Long Beach area made the trek up to Santa Cruz for the Monterey Bay Crossing. Enjoy this qa session and his impressions of MBX for those who might want to try it in 2016.

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MBX 2015 - Whattacrew Novice Team Tackle the Crossing

by Cali Paddler 1 comment

Monterey Bay Crossing - Iron Novice Crew[Join Jocelyn and this novice group (nicknamed "Whatacrew") as they take on their longest race yet, the Monterey Bay Crossing. After an amazing season, this ended up being the final bang to go out on!]

This past weekend "WhattaCrew" faced their biggest challenge yet. A full novice crew, who decided to take on the Monterey Bay Challenge, Ironed the entire 26 miles. As I sit here, not sure how to even start describing the entire experience from beginning to end, I go back to the first day we were all tossed into a canoe together and knew immediately this was about to be one EPIC ride! Let me tell you how we earned our vacation...

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