Thousands gathered today at the Santa Monica Pier today to witness and take part the revival of competitive paddleboard racing, a Southern
California tradition first made popular in Santa Monica, CA during the 1940s. The race began at 8 am on the sand immediately adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier and featured
both a 5.5-mile and 1 mile course leading competitors around the historic pier.
Presented by Honolua Surf Co., the event was a benefit for Heal the Bay, a Santa Monica based non-profit organization dedicated to the health
of Southern California’s coastal waters.
"It was fantastic to once again see so many paddlers of all ages taking to the waters around the Santa Monica Pier. After a hiatus of more than 50 years, paddleboard racing
has been restored to the pier," said Pat Fraley of Honolua Surf Co..
The event hosted more than 200 paddle contestants, traditional Polynesia outrigger canoes, and a dory boat race featuring area lifeguards rowing sprints through the surf zone.
Racers ranged in age from 11 to 73. Spectators cheered on the racers and listened to renowned surfers and paddleboarders recount the sports’ rich local histories.
Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation said, "The Santa Monica Pier is an icon worldwide we are thrilled to present exciting
entertainment and sporting events that honor our past and bolster our ongoing community engagement activities. We are part of the vibrant fabric of Southern California’s fun
in the sun culture and events like this paddleboard race, place us right in the center of that activity."
"We are fortunate to have received so much support for our mission to support the health of Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds," said Natalie Burdick, Heal
the Bay’s constituent development manager. "Embracing and celebrating our oceans with events like this is an effective way to get the community involved and concerned for
keeping our coastal waters clean and healthy."
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A Benefit For....
Paddle Races
Long Course: 5.5 mile loop, beach start
Short Course: 1 mile loop, beach start
