Pacific Paddle Games: World’s best SUP racers put on show at Doheny State Beach
It’s considered the Superbowl of SUP.
The world’s best stand-up paddle athletes kicked off the Pacific Paddle Games at Doheny State Beach in big surf Saturday, Oct. 6, as a hurricane swell slammed the coast.
The event brought about 400 paddlers – some elite competitors in the pro division and others in the open division – for a series of races throughout the two-day event.
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Will Taylor, editor of SUP magazine and one of the event coordinators, said big surf adds a level of excitement to the event.
“The gods are blessing us,” he said. “That’s the one factor we don’t know about ahead of time, but it adds on a lot of energy to the event. I think there’s an intimidation factor with the wave, but Doheny is still manageable when it’s big. It’s an extra fun event to watch because of the waves.”
Surf forecasts are showing 6-foot waves continuing Sunday.
April Zilg, originally from North Carolina and now living in Santa Barbara, was excited about the pumping surf.
“I love this event because of that aspect, the waves,” she said. “You could, in theory, be just as fast of a paddler, but end up in first or second place because of the waves.”
Zilg said the level of competition in SUP has grown exponentially in the past few years at the event, especially considering the big international draw with competitors from South America, Canada, Europe and Japan.
“To be in the top 10 women this weekend is going to be a big deal,” she said.
More than competition
The event is more than just competition. It’s a festival that includes free yoga throughout the day, a beer garden and other vendors in an exhibition area showcasing the latest gear and products.
Event organizers worked with Sustainable Surf to ensure the event is Deep Blue, or ocean-friendly, certified.
Taylor said broadcasting booths and announcer areas are all powered by solar, and water stations and recycling bins are available throughout the beach.
“We want everyone to come down and have a great time, but we want to leave the beach better than we found it,” Taylor said. “We get to enjoy the ocean all the time, but we want to make sure it is here for everyone to enjoy and that it’s as clean as possible.”
The Pacific Paddle Games after-party kicks off at 6;30 p.m. Sunday, and is open to the public for the first time.
While racers have free admission, other attendees will have to pay $25 per ticket online, or $35 at the door.
There will also be live music put on by Flock of 80s, as well as food and drinks.
For more information and race results, go to: supthemag.com/ppg