|
Newport, OR – The Oregon Open Ocean Classic is a 7.5 mile Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) race along the Oregon coast, north to south, from Beverly Beach State Park to Nye Beach, Newport, happening Saturday, August 28th, 2010. You've heard of flat-water races, down-winders and through the surf challenges. This race is a combination of them all, with beautiful views along the Oregon shore. It will be open to SUP and traditional paddleboard competitors.
The popularity of SUP in the Pacific NW is on an incredible rise and is sweeping up sales. Even in our current economy, the emerging sport has been a bright spot for retailers and manufacturers, giving them a new category to market. Now being used beyond the ocean—at bays, lakes and even rivers—standup paddling is becoming the fastest-growing watersport in the country. Paddlers can be seen enjoying a leisurely cruise or a fun and effective workout. Races are being organized and paddle groups are being formed around the state and beyond. SUP emerged in Hawaii in the 1960s, when Waikiki beach boys started standing on their long surfboards and paddling out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of tourists learning to surf. A renaissance of SUP occurred in the early 2000s, when Hawaiian surfers started utilizing SUP as an alternative way to train when the surf was flat.
The Oregon Open Ocean Classic is the first of its kind on the Oregon coast, and one that many SUPers have wanted for sometime. It begins with a Le Mans beach start with participants charging through the surf to reach the open ocean. Once outside, paddlers will head offshore ~1/2 mile and then South 6 miles riding the swell around Yaquina Head. The finish will be through the surf at historic Nye Beach in Newport.
How to Participate
You can still register online at http://www.oregonopenocean.com/registration, through Monday, August 23rd. There will be onsite registration Friday, August 27th, 4-7 pm PDT at the Rogue Brewery, 2320 OSU Dr., Newport OR.
Once registered, there is a mandatory pre-race meeting Friday, August 27th 7-8 pm PDT at the Rogue Brewery where safety requirements, course recommendation, and weather possibilities will be discussed. Weather permitting the race will start Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 10 am PDT, Beverly Beach, Hwy 101, 7 miles north of Newport.
For more information about Oregon Open Ocean and scheduled activities please go to www.oregonopenocean.com For more information about SUP retailers and supporters in the NW check out these sites: Kialoa, Bend Oregon, http://www.kialoa.com/ Werner Paddles, Sultan Washington, http://www.wernerpaddles.com/ Jerry Lopez Boards, Bend Oregon, http://www.gerrylopezsurfboards.com/ North Shore Inc., White Salmon, Washington, http://www.northshoreinc.com Stand Up Paddle Flatwater, http://www.standuppaddleflatwater.com/Home.html Stand Up Paddle Oregon, http://www.wix.com/kendogwilson/Stand-Up-Paddle-Oregon
 |
August 30, 2010
76.2.15.3