The Jay Race 2016

The Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race – “The Jay Race”
June 18, Capitola

The Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race, commonly known as the Jay Race, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. Hundreds of spectators and competitors will descend on Capitola and the beautiful waters of Monterey Bay for this unique event. Presented for the first time by New Leaf Community Markets, the Jay Race has both a 12-mile course and a two-mile short course, for both prone and stand-up paddleboarders.

For all-round paddlers, there is also the Waterman Challenge. This event is made up of a 500m swim, 1500m prone paddle and a 1000m stand-up paddle.

“We absolutely love the Waterman Challenge. It is definitely the most spectator friendly race,” says race organizer Duke Brouwer. “It keeps people on the beach. They don’t want to miss it. We could see close to a hundred competitors.”

Jay Moriarity was a world-class surfer renowned for his love of the ocean, all-round skill on the water and enthusiastic and open personality. He died in 2001 at the age of 22. Moriarity was well known for surfing the huge waves at Mavericks, close to Half Moon Bay, but it is his spirit and passion that is remembered most. The event aims to encourage all athletes, regardless of age or gender, to enjoy the ocean, and to “Live like Jay,” through friendly competition.

Proceeds from the event are distributed by the Jay Moriarity Foundation, and will benefit several local charities. These include local junior lifeguard associations and Ocean of Hope, a team of paddlers that supports cancer sufferers by dedicating their race efforts and raising awareness to cancer patients.

For more information check out the Jay Race on Facebook.