Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Media Information

The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA September 28 & 29, 2013

Sanctioned by the International Association (ISA)

(San Clemente, CA)— Come join Rainbow Sandals and Gerry Lopez for the sixth year anniversary of the stand-up paddle phenomenon “Battle of the Paddle”. This year’s event is set for September 28 & 29, 2013 on the famous shores of Doheny State Beach in beautiful Dana Point, .

Come witness the high-energy races, spirited fanfare, and experience a huge stand-up paddle (SUP) exposition that is the heartbeat and pulse of a global lifestyle.

This year, the Battle of the Paddle, is expecting over 1,000 entries from around the globe. SUP athletes will be racing for over $25,000 in cash & prizes (the largest on offer in the sport of SUP). Racers will also be taking part in two new Guinness World Record attempts. The first one on Saturday, to break the record for “the world’s largest paddleboard race” of “404” paddlers that set the record at last year’s event. And on Sunday, trying to break the existing record for “most surfers riding a single wave” (currently 110 surfers in Cape Town, SAF, 2009). Last year the Battle of the Paddle was very close with 95 surfers catching a wave off Doheny State Beach.

The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is an ocean festival that includes races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. From beginners, to family and company relay teams, to high intensity elite competition, Battle of the Paddle is a showcase for the world’s fastest growing water sport.

The 2013 Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is proudly sponsored by: Kona Brewing Company, Tommy Bahama, Riviera Paddleboards, Dana Point Resorts, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Patagonia, Hobie Surf Shop, Duke’s Restaurant, Northern Trust, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association and the California State Parks. The event is sanctioned by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Media Information

EVENTS OF THE BATTLE OF THE PADDLE CALIFORNIA

Elite Race (Saturday September 28): This year again there will be heats & finals for the Elite Race. Both men & women Elite Racers will compete in the morning heats and ride 12’6 and under race boards. Top finishers in the morning heats will advance to the afternoon finals.

The Elite Race will feature the world’s best SUP racers including prior champions Danny Ching (Redondo Beach, CA), Conner Baxter (Maui, HI), Chuck Patterson (Dana Point, CA), and Jamie Mitchell (Australia). In the womens category, expect to see past champions Anabel Anderson (New Zealand), Candice Appleby (San Clemente, CA) and Jenny Kalmbach (Kona, HI) battling it out with local challengers Brandi Baksic (San Clemente, CA) and Gillian Gibree (San Diego, CA). Except loads of excitement, thrills and spills as the top paddlers put it all on the line for cash & glory.

The course is a multiple lap circuit that includes paddling through the surf and beaching equipment for a short, flagged sand run (multiple laps).

2012 Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Champions: Danny Ching, Los Angeles, CA (men) & Anabel Anderson, New Zealand (women).

Free SUP Expo (Saturday September 28 & Sunday September 29): Meet the world’s best makers and manufacturers of SUP equipment, check out their latest designs and innovations and purchase these goods at steep discounts. 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. Over eighty exhibitors scheduled to show this year.

New this year will be the first ever “live” radio broadcast from the event with the very popular AM radio station KEARTH 101. The radio station will broadcast the event form late morning into the afternoon Saturday September 28.

Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Media Information

Guinness World Records This year, the Battle of the Paddle is looking to break a Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest SUP Paddleboard Race”. Last year the record was set at the 2012 Battle of the Paddle with 404 participants completing the “Open Age-group Race”. The record attempt will happen Saturday’s again with the Open Age-Group Race.

On Sunday, the event will attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for “ Most surfers riding a single wave” (currently 110 surfers in Cape Town, SAF, 2009). Guinness World Record attempts for registered Battle of the Paddle participants only.

Entered participants (surfers) will follow Gerry Lopez’s signal when attempting the surfing record. Last year was close with a confirmed 95 surfers catching a four-foot wave at the main peak Doheny State Beach.

Open Age-Group Race: (Saturday September 28) Open to everyone! The course is a friendly, fun and moderately challenging four-mile paddle. Entrants can race on any board of their choosing, including surfboard class, 12’6″, 14′ and Unlimited. You can expect a Guinness World Record number of entries. Don’t miss out on being a part of Battle of the Paddle history!

SUP Distance Race: (Sunday September 29) Elevated to championship status this year, the Distance Race will have an Elite Class (14’0 for men & women) competing for cash prizes. Racers can also enter in their age-group categories in the 12’6, 14’ and unlimited classes. Also, new will be the multi-person craft class.

The Distance Race course is a scenic but challenging approximately 9.5 mile course from Doheny State Beach to San Clemente Pier, and back. Safety is paramount and all racers per the United States Coast Guard and the California State Parks Lifeguards are reminded that they must have a personal floatation device (PFD) as well as ample water (hydration) to participate. The PFD’s are mandatory!!!

Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Media Information

SUP Relays: (Sunday September 29) A crowd favorite and super fun event that includes prize money. This year the SUP Relays will have two races: Open SUP Relay and Elite SUP Relay. Recruit some family members, friends or enter a fully sponsored Elite team and give it a go! Each Open & Elite team must have at least one female relay member.

Kid’s SUP Race & DSBIA Kid’s Zone: If your kid is open to maximum fun, have him/her enter the Kid’s SUP Races being organized by Keli’s Outrigger & Paddles Sports. This year there will be two courses, one for intermediate and one for advanced groms. In an new addition, scheduled right after the Kid’s SUP Races, will be the first ever Battle of the Paddle Kid’s SUP Relays.

Kid’s SUP Races will have both boys & girls age-groups (8 & under, 9 & 10, 11 & 12 and 13 & 14). Kids will be racing for Battle of the Paddle trophies.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) will be organizing an awesome Kid’s Zone throughout the weekend too. The Kid’s Zone to be located on the main beach under the Rainbow Sandals star tent. Have your kids paint a Dana Point Elephant Parade elephant that has been donated to the event.

Entry Information Everyone who enters The Battle of the Paddle will receive a free pair of Rainbow Sandals, event tee and lunch. Event proceeds will support the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

Register online (http://www.battleofthepaddle.com) or at the Hobie Surf Shop Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Welcoming party Friday September 27 (5:00pm to 9:00pm) at Hobie Surf Shop (34174 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629) before the event and receive a discount on your race entry. You can easily enter the day of the events. On-site event registration will be open 7:00am both days.

Rainbow Sandals Battle of the Paddle Media Information

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 ’s original surf lifestyle, and the dynamic new surf paddle sport known as SUP.

About Doheny State Beach: Doheny State Beach became California’s first state beach on May 31, 1931. Steep in surf culture, it remains one of Southern California’s most famous beaches and is one of California’s most popular camping grounds. The beach covers an area of 62 acres and includes a day use surfing beach at the northern end, as well as campgrounds in its southern area.

About the resorts of Dana Point (myDanaPoint.com): conveniently located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles in Orange County, Dana Point showcases a breathtaking collection of resort properties with an approachable elegance unique to the Southern California shoreline. Dana Point’s dramatic beauty is complemented by a distinct variety of year-round signature events, as well as boundless ocean experiences along its golden coast. Renowned as the whale watching capital of the world, Dana Point features an abundant marine life and a legendary harbor that opens to an ocean of possibilities.

For More Information: contact: [email protected] Website: battleofthepaddle.com