Surftech Jay Race

SATURDAY • June 21, 2014
www.JayRace.SurfTech.com

With the 13th Annual Surftech Jay Race set to hit the water, excitement is building for one of the best paddleboard races of the season. Competitors from all over California and as far away as Hawaii and Australia are in the midst of their training in preparation for what has become known as Northern California’s top paddleboard race.

The 2014 Jay Race will feature both a 12-mile long course and a 2-mile short course race. The picturesque long course will test athletes and the short course is perfect for first timers or those who prefer “sprint style” races.

For those who pride themselves on being well-rounded water athletes, the Waterman Challenge beckons. This event will test the top overall athletes in a multi-sport battle of swim, prone and SUP. All three events are combined to determine the top all-around male, female and junior water athletes.

The kids “Mini Jay Race” is one of the highlights of the day. Mini Jay Racers paddle a short course then hit the beach for a challenging obstacle course presented by A Day at the Beach Events all the while being sprayed by their friends and family armed with Surftech Supersoakers.

All competitors receive a Jay Race t-shirt, ‘Live Like Jay’ bracelet, goody bag and are invited to the post-race awards party at the beach with food provided by the Crow’s Nest, beer provided by Headlands Brewing Company and live music.

The overall mission of the Jay Race is to encourage paddlers of all ages and genders to take to the water for friendly competition, camaraderie and to remember legendary Santa Cruz waterman Jay Moriarity. All of the proceeds from the Jay Race are donated to Santa Cruz County’s Junior Lifeguard organizations for scholarships and equipment.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Pre-race party/registration at Surftech Headquarters, 2685 Mattison Lane, SC 95062 with food provided by Pono Hawaiian Grill and beer provided by Headlands Brewing Co.
• Online registration ends this Friday (June 20th) at noon
  
• Raffle prizes include: Bark 12’6″ Competitor SUP, O’Neill wetsuit, Yakima Racks, Quickblade Paddles, X-1 Audio, GoPro Hero 3, Maui Jim sunglasses, Peets Coffee, etc.
  
• Awards Party from 6-10pm Saturday night includes auctions, awards, live music by local band, Animo with free food and drinks for all competitors. Food provided by the Crow’s Nest, wine by Longboard Vinyards and beer provided by Headlands Brewing Co.
  
• Some big names that will be competing including, Jack Bark (2012 Molokai-2-Oahu stock paddleboard champion), Matt Becker (one of SUP’s brightest stars), Morgan Hoesterey (first female to stand up paddle the entire Hawaiian Island chain), Don Miralle (defending Mens prone Jay Race champion), Aaron McKinnon (local and possibly the top pick to win the mens prone division) and Carter Graves (2013 Catalina Classic Womens Champion).