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The 2009 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle was definitely one to go down in the history books and some of the most grueling conditions ever for a stand up paddle race. Challenging surf conditions turned one buoy into what some called "Hell's Corner" or "The Boneyard". In this series of photos taken by Tim Ditty, the 2008 BOP winner gives us a play by play of the elite division stand up paddle race event. Thanks to Chuck and Tim for sharing the stoke! (Photos by Tim Ditty and captions by Chuck Patterson).
Huge crowd awaits the Elite race start. And they're off . . . Big cluster of banging boards and paddles. On our way to rounding the nightmare buoy . . . This buoy was "Hell's Corner" where you either got smashed by someone's board or you got lucky and escaped the madness. On our way into the beach for the run. After paddling, running was the last thing you wanted to do. Not enough rest, but here we go for the next lap. Having a good board caddy was everything. "Thanks Skelly." Are we there yet??? 5th place and stoked. No more pressure . . . ahhhh . . . Gerry Lopez with Jamie Mitchell 1st, Slater Trout 2nd, and Danny Ching 3rd, and Sparky. Shakira Westdor 1st Women's Elite and Jamie Mitchell 1st Men's Elite "World Class Talent". Congrats to Shakira, Candice, Brandi, and Jen K. Titus Kinimaka sharing the Aloha through music. Thanks again to Tim Ditty and Chuck Patterson and his sponsors: Hobie, Ocean Minded, Kialoa, H2O Audio, DaKine, Rainbow Fins, O'Neill, Watermans Sunscreen, On It, Monster Paint, Indo Boards, and family.
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Event Reports 
October 15, 2009
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