Stand Up Paddle Company, Laguna Beach

Well, this weekend was completely awesome from the SUP race perspective. There were two events this past weekend, the Hennesseyʼs World Paddleboard Championships and the Surfrace to Victory, both events were killer for two different reasons.

     On Saturday, the city of Hermosa Beach hosted the Hennesseyʼs WPA World Paddleboard Championships. This year the event was unique to those in the past because the WPA created a qualifying series in order to compete in the event. The event hosted competitors from Florida, Utah, North Carolina, Oregon Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, France and I am sure some other nations in there as well. The event was completely stacked in all divisions. The course started on the beach so our skills to get through the surfline were tested. I fell twice, totally lame I know. Nonetheless, I was forth to the first buoy. Beyond that we would endure 7 miles of head, side, and tail wind conditions. Somehow, they managed to make the headwind portion the longest? It was good cause anyone can paddle in the harbor, so it was suited that the variable conditions would and should exist at a World Championship. I finished 3rd behind Candice and Annabel, whatever :).  Ha, actually, I was stoked with that finish. The competition these days is really high, as more and more girls find their way with a board and a paddle in hand. I expect a year of intense competition in my future after what I saw this weekend.

     On Sunday, the city of Huntington Beach hosted the Hinano Surfrace to Victory. The event was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot put enough exclamation marks. The race took place on the southside of HB Pier and as always in Huntington, there were waves. The waves were between 2-4+, and were everywhere. It was super consistent and had a wave that would double up on the inside shallow sections. This race was just as much fun to watch as it was to compete in. Actually, it was way more fun to watch as others were involved in the carnage, and it was a bit fearful as the girls heats approached knowing we were going to be part of the carnage too. Anyhow, the short in and out of the surf course was ran in several heats throughout the day and ended with a final heat.

I finished 2nd for the day and left with a huge smile on my face (and a check in my wallet). GOOD TIMES!!!!!!

     Next weekend, BOP, pray for waves!!!!!!!!!