Elite Paddle Race

RACE DATE: Friday, August 13, 2010

**Event starts at Pier 40 (located on the west side of NYC at Houston & West Street.)

COST: $350                 - Prize Money for Top Finishers.... See Below for Details-

RACE TIME:
7:00 am—Participant check-in
8:00 am—Mandatory paddlers safety and instructional meeting
9:30 am—Start of race

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DESCRIPTION:

An anticipated 200 participants for the charity paddle and 50-100 of the world’s best and biggest name paddlers starting the 6-hour, 28-mile journey from NYC at Pier 40 on the Hudson River located at Houston & West Street. Participants from as far away as Germany, England, South America, Australia, Hawaii, California, North Carolina, Oregon and Florida are expected to participate in this unique 4th annual event. This year a broader international presence will be included with professional surfers mixing with music personalities, actors and environmental activists.

     PRIZE MONEY SPONSORED BY TKS MIAMI:

          Elite MENS -  First Place Finish  =  $3,000
          Elite WOMENS - First Place Finish  =  $1,500        
 

THIS IS A FUND RAISING EVENT:

Every participant in the paddle and race is obligated to raise a minimum of $1,000 with a goal of $1,500.  Paddlers who raise $2,500 by August 4th will have their entire entry fee refunded. Last year the paddle raised almost $250,000 dollars with proceeds being split between our choosen Autism organizations and Surfers’ Environmental Alliance.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS:

To participate in the paddle, athletes must be proficient in stand up or prone paddling and must be in very good condition. This is an open class event for any size SUP or prone board. Relay teams must use a single board. A complete list of requirements and a list of rules can be found in the eligibility section.

Are you Eligible to RACE?  (MUST READ)

2010 SUP Racing Rules  (MUST READ)

RACE CLASS:

The race will be timed by age and gender. These are the classes:
- One (1) class 14’ or under event.
- One (1) prone paddle class, open to boards up to 18' feet,.
- One, Two-person relay team class.

You must be an expert paddler in racing condition and have competed in at least two paddle races in 2009-2010. If you are an Elite racer and want to mix it up with the best in the world this event is made for you.

PIER 40 in NYC. Houston & West

COURSE ROUTE:

The event starts at Pier 40 located on the west side of NYC at Houston & West Street.

- Paddlers will enter the water at the appropriate time via a dock with water access.
- Any paddlers jumping off the Pier will be disqualified immediately. Paddler MUST stay in formation and paddle North up the Hudson River.
- Continue past the Intrepid Aircraft carrier, past the 79st boat basin and under the George Washington Bridge.
- Turn right into the Spyton Dyvil, which marks the start of the Harlem River where we will regroup for our only and take our only rest break and group photo.
- Proceed south past Fort Apache in the Bronx, through Harlem, and past the new Yankee Stadium
- Enter the East River at the legendary Hells Gate
- Hugging the west side of the east river passing by Roosevelt’s Island and the UN building while avoiding landing sea planes, which land on the water every few minutes
- Nearing the end of the journey (after approximately 6 hours) paddlers pass under the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge
- The finish is at the North Side of South Street Seaport  where paddlers will exit the water via the stairs. Volunteers and safety patrol will be there to help with boards etc.

ELITE RACE:

The Elite race will be the same as the above course with the expectation of a delayed start time. The timed finish will be at the Brooklyn Bridge and will allow racers to catch their breath before exiting the water on the dock at South Street Seaport.

The Elite racer selection will be dependent on qualifications of the paddler, willingness of paddlers and or sponsors to comply with donation requirements. The race is still under the umbrella of the charity event and minimum donation levels must be met by paddlers, sponsors or paddlers supporters.

To participate you need to be in excellent physical condition, have participated in past endurance type events/ races. Rules and regulations will be sanctioned by the WPA.  Selections will be made at the total discretion of SEA.