The
First Ever Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the
Paddle
Enter and receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals
That stand-up paddleboarding has
become the coast’s
fastest-growing ocean sport should come
as no surprise. Combining surfer’s balance skills and
wave riding with canoe paddler’s endurance and speed,
SUP harkens back to the surfing’s Golden Age, when in
the 1940s and ‘50s calling yourself a surfer meant
mastering a broad variety of ocean skills.
Now come celebrate the modern West Coast waterman’s
lifestyle at the Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez’s Battle of
the Paddle, a stand-up
paddle festival/exposition with a series
of races and demonstrations that offer ocean athletes of
all ages and skill levels the chance to experience this
exciting new sport.
Staged at Dana Point’s historic Doheny State Beach, the
Battle of the Paddle is more than an ordinary paddle
race. For the sport’s elite paddlers it presents the
first-ever championship styled SUP race featuring an
offshore course that tests not only endurance but also
the open-ocean and surfing skills of the world’s best
men and women stand-up paddle racers. Not to mention a
cash purse
of over $25,000.
Invited competitors on stock (12’6”) SUP boards, will
complete multiple laps on
a circuit that will include beaching
their equipment through the surf for a short run around
a course flag on the sand. This exchange will challenge
competitor’s technical and athletic skills as well as
create great spectator drama. There will also be an
age-group race open to all SUP craft categories (12’6”
stock, 14 ft. and unlimited) that will compete on the
same circuit course without the exchange.
For the recreational paddler and newcomers to the sport
The Battle of the Paddle’s exclusive festival/exposition
is an extraordinary opportunity to paddle with legendary
watermen like Gerry Lopez,
Dave Kalama, Jamie Mitchell, Kyle Mochizuki, Colin
McPhillips, Titus Kinimakaand many
more. You’ll meet the world’s best shapers, check out
the latest board designs and paddle innovations and
naturally there will be demo boards and paddles of all
shapes and sizes available for those who want to perfect
their stroke or even try SUP for the first time.
Everyone who enters The
Battle of the Paddle will receive a free pair of Rainbow
Sandals, event tee and lunch. There will
also be a special awards
dinner and aloha concert
featuring the music of legendary waterman Titus Kinimaka
at the Surfing Heritage Foundation on Saturday evening
October 11. All event proceeds to go to the Surfing
Heritage Foundation and the Doheny State Beach
Interpretive Association.
Whether you’re racing for the prize or just getting
started, The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez’s Battle of the
Paddle is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of
Southern California’s original surf lifestyle,
and the dynamic new surf/paddle discipline known as
stand-up paddling.
Event Information
The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle
has two stand-up paddleboard races; an ELITE race for prize
money and an AGE GROUP race that is open to everyone.
The AGE GROUP race will start at 9:00 A.M.
The ELITE race will start at approximately 11:30 A.M.
About the Elite Race
The Battle of The Paddle features an
offshore course that will challenge competitor’s technical and
athletic skills as well as create great spectator drama. Elite
Race competitors will be on stock (12’6”) SUP boards and will
compete five 1.5 mile laps (approximate total distance of 7.5
miles) of an off-shore circuit that will also include an
exchange area where they must beach their equipment for a short
sand run around a course flag.
There will be a water start and beach finish (run up the beach)
for the ELITE RACE.
All boards to be measured on Sparky’s SUP table before being
allowed into the elite race craft marshalling area. Boards must
be < 12’6” Stock, fixed rudders and mono-hulled.
The Elite Race
(5) Lap Circuit Stand-up Surf Paddle Race
The Battle of The Paddle features an offshore course
that will challenge competitor’s technical and
athletic skills as well as create great spectator
drama. Elite Race competitors will be on stock
(12’6”) SUP boards and will compete five 1.5 mile
laps (approximate total distance of 7.5 miles) of an
off-shore circuit that will also include an exchange
area where they must beach their equipment for a
short sand run around a course flag.
There will be a water start and beach finish (run up
the beach) for the Elite Race.
All boards to be measured on Sparky’s SUP table
before being allowed into the elite race craft
marshalling area. Boards must be < 12’6” Stock,
fixed rudders and mono-hulled.
Course: The course is around all
buoys as directed by the Beachmaster/starter. At no
time during the race may a competitor impede another
competitor. Unsportsmanlike behavior/actions will
result in disqualification. Any competitor failing
to round all buoys will be disqualified from the
race.
Paddlers must complete three (5) laps (approximately
1.5 miles per lap) around designated course and
exchange area. Event race total distance
approximately 7.5 miles. Exit water and finish at
finish chute.
Exchange Area: After rounding the
last buoy with the right shoulder, paddlers must
beach their craft and run the designated sand course
in control of their paddle. Each competitor can have
(1) equipment handler that can re-position the
competitors SUP craft for the course re-entry.
Handlers: Must stay within the designated
handlers area until their competitors has rounded
the last course buoy leading up to the exchange
area.
Start: The Elite Race will have a
water start. Paddlers will line up on the water
between the starting line right outside the
start/finish area. The paddler’s body shall be
behind the starting line.
Finish: After rounding the last
buoy with the right shoulder, paddlers will finish
in an upright position in control of their paddle in
the funnel finish set up on the sand. All
competitors must cross the finish line from a
seaward position to receive a place stick. Any
shifting or hassling for position in the funnel will
result in disqualification. Competitors must not
leave the finish area until their place, name and
number, has been recorded by the scorer.
SUP Craft Category for The Elite Race
The Elite Race races will have the following SUP
craft:
SUP 12.6 CLASS Defined (by coalition of CA & HI SUP
committee):
• Length - 12’6” ft maximum ( 381.0 cm )
• Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
• Fins shall be fixed in place.
• Board Design is Open, except Multi Hulls are not
allowed.
• Rudder(s) are not allowed.
• Foil(s) are not allowed.
*** Please note*** All boards entered in the Elite
Race to be measured on Sparky’s SUP table before
being allowed into the elite race craft marshalling
area. Boards must be < 12’6” Stock, fixed rudders
and mono-hulled.
The Elite Race will have a men’s and women’s race.
General Elite Race
Rules
Competition Jerseys: All
competitors must wear their competition jersey
securely on their torso at the start, during and
finish of all events. Failure to so at any point
will result in disqualification.
False Starts: One false start is
charged to the field, further false starts shall be
charged to an individual which results in
disqualification.
Event Finish: All events end in a
finish on the beach. Competitors do not have to
cross the finish line in control of their SUP craft.
All competitors must finish in control of their
paddle.
At the finish a place stick will be given to all
finishers. All competitors with place sticks shall
be marshaled into a designated area to have their
name, number and place recorded. Failure to comply
will result in disqualification.
Beachmaster/starter: Shall be
responsible for officiating event start and finish.
Course Marshall: Shall be responsible officiating
the race from the water.
Protests: Must be filed within 15
minutes of the last competitor finishing the event.
Protests must be filed with either the Beachmaster
or Course Marshall. The Beachmaster, Course Marshall
and associated event officials shall determine the
outcome of any protest filed.
Prize Money Breakdown – ELITE RACE
Men's Elite
Wahine (Women)
1st Place
$10,000
1st Place
$2,500
2nd Place
$5,000
2nd Place
$1,250
3rd Place
$2,500
3rd Place
$500
4th Place
$1,000
4th Place
$250
5th Place
$500
5th Place
$125
6th -10th Place
$250
Total
$4,625
Total
$20,750
Entry Information – ELITE RACE
The ELITE RACE is an invitee event. If you are interested in
racing please contact the Race Director Barrett Tester at
events@rainbowsandals.com or (949) 276-4431 x216.
Entry fee: $200.00
Entry includes a pair of Rainbow Sandals, numbered commemorative
event jersey, Battle of the Paddle tee, lunch and awards banquet
at Surfing Heritage Foundation.
Register Online (Credit Card Only) -or-
Register day of event October 11. Registration begins at
7:30A.M. (cash only).
About the AGE-GROUP RACE
Open to all, the Age-Group Race will have three SUP craft
categories (12’6” stock, 14 ft. and unlimited) and will paddle
three laps (approximate distance 4.5 miles) around the event
course without utilizing the exchange area.
The age-group races will have the following divisions for SUP
craft:
• SUP stock class – 12’6” maximum board length
• SUP 14’ class – 14’ maximum board length
• SUP Open class – no length restriction
Special trophies will be awarded to top
finishers in both men and women in the following age-group
categories.
• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60+
The Age-Group Race
(3) Lap Stand-up Surf Paddle Race
Open to all the Age-Group Race will have three SUP
craft categories (12’6” stock, 14 ft. and unlimited)
and will paddle three laps (approximate distance 4.5
miles) around the event course without utilizing the
exchange area.
Course: The course is around all
buoys as directed by the Beachmaster/starter. At no
time during the race may a competitor impede another
competitor. Unsportsmanlike behavior/actions will
result in disqualification. Any competitor failing
to round all buoys will be disqualified from the
race.
Paddlers must complete three (3) laps (approximately
1.5 miles per lap) around designated course. Event
race total distance approximately 4.5 miles. Exit
water and finish at finish chute.
Start: The Age-Group Race will have
a water start. Paddlers will line up on the water
between the starting line right outside the
start/finish area. The paddler’s body shall be
behind the starting line.
Finish: After rounding the last
buoy with the right shoulder, paddlers will finish
in an upright position in control of their paddle in
the funnel finish set up on the sand. All
competitors must cross the finish line from a
seaward position to receive a place stick. Any
shifting or hassling for position in the funnel will
result in disqualification. Competitors must not
leave the finish area until their place, name and
number, has been recorded by the scorer.
SUP Craft Categories and Age-Groups
The Age-Group races will have the following
divisions for SUP craft:
SUP OPEN CLASS Defined (CA & HI SUP rules
committee):
• Length - No Length Restriction. (may be less than
14’ ft. )
• Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
• Board Design - No Design Restrictions, Multi Hulls
are allowed.
• Fin(s) are allowed.
• Rudder(s) are allowed.
• Foil(s) are allowed.
SUP 14 CLASS Defined (CA & HI SUP rules
committee):
• Length - 14’ ft maximum (426.72 cm)
• Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
• Fins shall be fixed in place.
• Board Design is Open, except Multi Hulls are not
allowed.
• Rudder(s) are not allowed.
• Foil(s) are not allowed.
SUP 12.6 CLASS Defined (CA & HI SUP rules
committee):
• Length - 12’6” ft maximum ( 381.0 cm )
• Board Weight - No Weight Restriction.
• Fins shall be fixed in place.
• Board Design is Open, except Multi Hulls are not
allowed.
• Rudder(s) are not allowed.
• Foil(s) are not allowed.
The Age-Group Race will have following
age-group categories
for both men and women:
• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60+
General Age-Group Rules
False Starts: One false start is
charged to the field, further false starts shall be
charged to an individual which results in
disqualification.
Event Finish: All events end in a
finish on the beach. Competitors do not have to
cross the finish line in control of their SUP craft.
All competitors must finish in control of their
paddle.
At the finish a place stick will be given to all
finishers. All competitors with place sticks shall
be marshaled into a designated area to have their
name, number and place recorded. Failure to comply
will result in disqualification.
Beachmaster/starter: Shall be
responsible for officiating event start and finish.
Course Marshall: Shall be responsible officiating
the race from the water.
Protests: Must be filed within 15
minutes of the last competitor finishing the event.
Protests must be filed with either the Beachmaster
or Course Marshall. The Beachmaster, Course Marshall
and associated event officials shall determine the
outcome of any protest filed.
Entry Information – AGE-GROUP RACE
Entry fee: $30.00
Entry includes a pair of Rainbow Sandals,
Battle of the Paddle event tee and lunch. For additional $25 you
can join the awards banquet at Surfing Heritage Foundation
(limited number of tickets available).
Register Online (Credit Card Only)
-or-
Register day of event October 11. Registration begins at
7:30A.M. (cash only).
Important Race Information
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11, 2008.
Event registration begins at 7:30A.M.
Races start at 9:00AM.
Location: Doheny State Beach – South Beach Day Use Area
AKA “Hole in The Fence”
Across PCH from Olamendi's Restaurant
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Directions to Doheny State Beach:
From Los Angeles and Orange Counties: Take
Interstate 5 south to the Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Las
Ramblas off-ramp (approximately 15 miles south of the Interstate
405 and 5 Interchange). As soon as you exit the freeway you will
come to a fork; bear right. You are now on Pacific Coast Highway
(northbound). Dana Point Harbor Drive is about 1 mile from the
Freeway and is at the second traffic light. As you approach this
intersection, Denny's restaurant will be on your right. Turn
left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive. The State Beach entrance will
be to your left at the first traffic light.
From San Diego County: Take Interstate 5
north to the Beach Cities/Camino Las Ramblas off-ramp. Once you
leave the freeway get into the left lane. After you pass through
the tunnel you will be on Pacific Coast Highway. Continue about
3/4 mile to the second traffic light which is Dana Point Harbor
Drive. As you approach this intersection, Denny's restaurant
will be on your right. Turn left onto Dana Point Harbor Drive.
The State Beach entrance will be to your left at the first
traffic light.
Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Battle
preferred hotels at discounted rates:
Doubletree guest Suites Doheny Beach
34402 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
Surfing Heritage Foundation Awards Dinner & Aloha Concert:
There will be a special fundraising awards
dinner and concert featuring legenday Hawaiian Titus Kinimaka
Saturday evening October 11 at the Surfing Heritage Foundation
110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672. Tickets are $25 for
event competitors and $50 for non-competitors. Festivities begin
at 6:00P.M.
Eligibility:
Open to men and women at
least 18 years of age. (17 & under must have signed
parental/guardian form). Race director reserves the right to
refuse participation to entrants for any reason.
Elite class SUP craft must be measured and approved (< 12’6”)
before being allowed into the Elite Class craft marshalling
area.
See EVENT RULES
Course:
The off-shore 1.5 miles circuit
course will be well marked with race buoys/markers. The event
start and finish area will be located at the Doheny State Beach
South Beach Day Use area (south of San Juan Creek mouth and
campsites).
The Elite Race will compete five 1.5 mile laps (approximate
total distance of 7.5 miles) that includes an exchange area
where competitors must beach their equipment for a short sand
run around a course flag and then re-enter the course.
The age-group race will be three laps (approximate distance 4.5
miles) around the event course without utilizing the exchange
area.
There will be a water start and beach finish (run up the beach)
for both races.
Elite Race: Open Men and Wahine
categories. Stock SUP boards (<12’6”), no rudders, mono hulled.
Age Group Race: Men and Wahine age-groups
18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. SUP stock class – 12’6” maximum
board length, SUP 14’ class – 14’ maximum board length and SUP
Open class – no length restriction.
See EVENT RULES
Safety:
Lifeguard safety escorts will be provided
for the duration of the race.
Any paddler who is having difficulty may be taken out of the
water at the race director’s discretion. Coastal race allows for
beach landings as needed.
Registration
All online
entries close at midnight Monday October 6.
Check-in and final registration begins at 7:00A.M,
October 11
at Doheny State Beach – South Day Use Area.
Once you have checked in you’ll receive your event goodie bag.
Mandatory pre-race meeting at 9:00 A.M. Age-Group Race start.
Mandatory pre-race meeting at 11:15 A.M. Elite Race start.