The Oregon Open Ocean Classic SUP / paddleboard race is on August 27-28th, 2011. The World Paddle Association (WPA) has sanctioned both races and will provide stand up paddlers with qualifying points towards the downwind and Pacific Northwest regional series. Go here to learn more and register. Last year, Surfrider member Matt Spencer took the crown and is looking to reclaim!
The classic ocean race is an 8 mile, North to South downwind course around Yaquina Head and counts towards the WPA PNW Downwind points series. This years start will be at Otter Rock and the finish at Nye Beach in Newport. Standup and prone paddlers will charge through the surf, then downwind in great ocean conditions along the beautiful Oregon shore.The Le Mans beach start will have participants running to their boards and racing through the surf to reach the open ocean. Once outside the surf, paddlers will head offshore ~1 mile and then South 6 miles riding the prevalent 10 -30 knot winds and swell around Yaquina Head. The finish will be through the surf at historic Nye Beach in Newport. Be sure to mark this one on your calendar, it will be a blast. And by the way...proceeds benefiting the local Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, cause they're cool like that!