The 11 mile long course started west of the Goleta pier in light wind conditions, which prevailed for the first half of the race. Long course paddlers worked their way down the scenic coastline as the short (3.5 mile) course racers blended onto the course. As the afternoon wind filled in, it offered the fleet of about 100 paddlers the opportunity to test their skills and work the bumps on this true downwind course.
 

According to Mark Ingalls with Naish SUP, “Santa Barbara offers some of the best paddling in the world; its unique coastline, Mediterranean climate and the city’s incredible beauty make it an exceptional venue. Santa Barbara has the ability to attract and challenge the best paddlers from around the world.”

Some of Southern California’s fastest paddlers were on hand to test the two courses and compete in the inaugural race event. Southern California’s Thomas Gallager, winner of last year’s Battle of the Paddle, was the first to finish in the SUP unlimited division with a time of 1:39.43; followed closely by Naish team rider Dave Kalama from Maui who paddled the new super fast Naish 14’ Glide. Dave placed first in the 14’ SUP division.

Local stand out SUP racer John Becker, who finished 2nd in the SUP 14’ division, described his day and racing Kalama: “The course was great! I felt really strong and I was keeping pace for the first few miles with Kalama until the wind started to fill in and then Dave just took off; it was like he had another gear in his gear box.”

Other Naish team riders turned in solid performances. Tucker Ingalls, 13, paddling the Naish 11’6 placed first in the boy’s division short course. Twelve year old Ridge Lenny, who flew all the way from Maui to compete, also turned in a great performance paddling on a Naish 10’6”.  Vicki Mills paddling SUP unlimited division was the first woman to finish the long course with an outstanding time of 1:59:02. Honolua’s Eric Diamond (E.D.) proved he still has game, as did Honolua’s Eric Mehlberg who was first to finish in the prone division short course. Both courses offered novice paddlers the opportunity to compete and challenge themselves at there own level.

The afternoon post race celebration was held at Santa Barbara’s beautiful East Beach. Racers, friends and family enjoyed swapping stories, comparing equipment and feasting on authentic Mexican burritos, fresh watermelon and washing it down with an ice-cold keg of beer from a local Santa Barbara microbrewery.

Several veteran Southern California paddlers were overheard saying that the SB P2P race just may have been the best, most fun race in California this year. It was a great day indeed! Naish International and Honolua Surf Co have committed to return to Santa Barbara next year with a bigger event. See you all next year in Santa Barbara. 

Proceeds from this year’s event were donated to The Friendship Paddle www.friendshippaddle.org a non-profit group that supports families in need of emotional and financial assistance through organizing of paddling events.

All photos courtesy of surfingsports.com