The Surf to Sound paddleboard race in Wrightsville Beach Nov. 7 will be both a challenging test for local paddlers and a rematch between three-time champion Larry Cain and fellow Canadian Tommy Buday, who beat him last year by seven-tenths of a second.
Last year’s female champion, Canadian Jessica Rando, will not defend her title, improving the chances for last year’s runner-up and local favorite, April Zilg.
“April has some very impressive results on the international circuit and will be a force to be reckoned with,” Rando said in an Oct. 20 press release.
Cain, Buday, Zilg and other advanced paddlers will enter the 6.5-mile Surf to Sound Challenge but the three-day event also features a 4-mile intermediate course around Harbor Island and a kids’ race on Saturday, and a 9-mile endurance flatwater race on Sunday.
Surf to Sound Challenge paddlers will race into the ocean in front of the Blockade Runner Beach Resort and paddle south through Masonboro Inlet, finishing on the sound side.
“There can be big surf, and the beginning of Saturday’s 6.5-mile race can be very challenging,” said Mark Schmidt, 2015 race director.
Sunday’s flatwater race was created to offer an option for those paddlers not comfortable battling the open ocean conditions.
In addition to the races, paddlers can participate in clinics on Friday. Zilg will teach paddle technique and Surf to Sound racing strategy and Cain will work with eight participants all day both in and out of the water on advanced paddle technique.
To register, visit paddleguru.com/races/SurftoSound2015
email [email protected]
