If you surf I’m sure you’ve seen those people out in the lineup in the last year or so standing on big surfboards with their feet side by side with a paddle in hand.  Well it actually started back in the 50’s in Hawaii, but if you’re not familiar with it, it’s called stand-up paddleboarding.  And due to the popularity of the sport, events and competitions are happening all over. 

The first ever Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez  Battle of the Paddle will happen in early October.  The stand-up paddle festival and exposition provides a series of races and demonstrations that offer ocean enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to experience this sport. 

For those expert stand-up paddlers it presents the first-ever race featuring an offshore course that tests not only endurance, but open ocean surfing skills of the best men and women stand-up paddlers.  The competition has a total prize purse of more than $25,000.

Legendary watermen Gerry Lopez, Dave Kalama, Titus Kinimaka and a handful of others will be on hand to help out the beginners.  The event takes place at Doheny State Beach on Saturday October 11th with a start time at 9 a.m. 

Posted in: Latest surf news • Surf Junkie Jeff |

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