14th Annual Jay Race Kicks Offs with Premier of “A Date with the Strait”

Legendary waterman Jay Moriarity honored at longest running paddleboard race in US

The Jay Moriarity Memorial Paddleboard Race – the “Jay Race” – is one of the longest running paddleboard races in the country, and the event keeps getting better every year. Paddle enthusiasts gather each year to remember legendary Santa Cruz Waterman, Jay Moriarity and paddle their hearts out in his honor.

This year, the Jay Race takes place on Saturday June 20 in Capitola. All proceeds are donated to Santa Cruz County Junior Lifeguard Programs to purchase paddleboards and to provide scholarships in Jay’s name.

The 14th annual event showcases a challenging 12-mile long course, a 2-mile short course, the Waterman Challenge (swim/SUP/prone), a kids’ obstacle course race, a family-friendly atmosphere, a raging after-party and raffle featuring surfboards, paddleboards, wetsuits and more.

Participants receive a goodie bag, t-shirt, race jersey (long course only), Peet’s coffee, Clif Bars and other swag.

Jay Race Pre-registration Party Presents “A Date with the Strait” Premier

The annual Jay Race pre-registration gathering will host the Northern California premier of “A Date with the Strait” at Surftech Santa Cruz. World Champion paddler Jack Bark will be on hand to host the showing and answer questions about this historic crossing of Australia’s Bass Strait. Bark (from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA), with fellow world champs Zeb Walsh (Queensland, AUS) and Brad Gaul (Sydney, AUS) set a world record by paddling across this treacherous Bass Strait (150 miles) on Bark Paddleboards.

The pre-registration event takes place Friday, June 19 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the new Surftech Santa Cruz Showroom, 912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. You can still register for the race for a discounted price, review the course maps and talk story with your fellow competitors. This is a great time to meet other paddlers, discuss race tactics, and ponder the Monterey Bay currents. Food and beer available on a first come, first served basis. Food provided by Pono Hawaiian Grill.

Divisions for the 12 Mile Long Course

Men PRONE: Stock,  Fourteen & Unlimited paddleboards: Juniors 17 and under (STOCK CLASS ONLY), 18-49, and 50+
Women PRONE: Stock & Fourteen paddleboards: Juniors 17 and under (STOCK CLASS ONLY), 18-49, and 50+
Men SUP: 12’6″, Fourteen & Unlimited: Juniors 17 and under (12’6″ CLASS ONLY), 18-49, and 50+
Women SUP: 12’6″ & Fourteen: Juniors 17 and under (12’6″ CLASS ONLY), 18-49, and 50+

Divisions for the 2 Mile Short Course

Men and Women: 10’6″ Sprint, Stock & fourteen paddleboards, 12’6″ SUP, 14′ SUP, SUP surfboard and Longboard: 18-49, and 50+
Boys and Girls 12 & under: 12’6″ SUP, and Stock paddleboard
Boys and Girls Juniors (13-17 years): 12’6″ SUP, and Stock paddleboard

Waterman Challenge

Swim, SUP and Stock Prone Paddleboard – all three events are combined to determine the top male and female over-all waterman!

Waterman Challenge Divisions: 13-17, 18-49, 50+

Kids “Mini Jay Race”

Kids ages 12 and under are provided with Nipper or Soft paddleboards to use. Course includes a short paddle around two buoys set just off the beach followed by a wild beach run/obstacle course to make the races more fun for the kids. Mini Jay Racers paddle around two buoys set just a few yards off the beach. After the paddle course competitors will run through the beach obstacle course then back out onto the water for another lap. Kids collect “Live Like Jay” wristbands every time they finish the obstacle course. Mini Jay Racers will receive one raffle ticket for every bracelet they collect. There will be plenty of lifeguards on hand to keep the kids safe.

Registration

To register online, click here. On-line registration closes on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 12pm. For information about on-site registration and entry fees, click here.

Learn more at jayrace.com and facebook. 

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Jolyn Truck Sale to benefit the Jay Moriarity Foundation
Meet US Olympic Water Polo players Heather Petri and Nicolle Payne at the Jolyn Trunk Show at the Surftech Santa Cruz showroom Thursday evening June 18, from 5-9pm. 10% of their sales will be donated to the Jay Moriarity Foundation!

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