2012 US Surfski Championships set for August 4 and 5
WaveChaser Paddle Series announces the 10th annual US Surfski Championships to be contested in San Francisco Bay the weekend of August 4-5. Race organizers expect an international field of top paddlers including racers from South Africa, Australia, Tahiti, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, and the United States.
This year, the all-downwind race follows an approximate 14 mile course that takes paddlers from Rodeo Beach at Fort Cronkhite in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, along the rugged Marin Headlands past Point Bonita and the Potato Patch, under the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Fenn Hot Spot at Fort Baker, to Point Blunt, past Angel Island, and then towards the finish line at OSCS Sailing at the Berkeley Marina. The beauty of the course is matched by the challenging conditions, including strong winds and currents and large waves which are expected to test the endurance and technical water skills of the most experienced competitors. It is a race that one is not soon to forget.
The US Surfski Championship is part of the Ocean Paddler World Series. The US event offers $15,000 in prize money from generous premier sponsors. 2012 premier sponsors include: Epic Kayaks, Huki Outriggers and Surfskis, Nelo Kayaks, Ocean Paddle Sports, Think Kayaks, Maui Jim, Paddle Me Sportswear, Paddle International, and the WaveChaser Paddle Series.
In addition to the championship race, there will also be a short course from Fort Baker in Sausalito to the finish in Berkeley, running concurrently with the long course start. On Sunday, there will be a Double surfskis downwind race from Fort Baker to Berkeley where locals can paddle alongside some of the best race teams in the world. Surfski Kauai is offering a $500 prize to the first doubles team who reaches The Surfski Kauai Hot Spot.
Other events include a demo day to be held on the Friday prior to the race, where paddlers are able to test drive surfskis from our sponsors. Clinics conducted by internationally-known surfski athletes will also be offered earlier in the week.
Live commentary of Saturday’s race will be provided by Surfski.info
