06/21/2017

— Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe—

2017 Bend Paddleboard Challenge brings Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe on board

Hailed regionally as one of Oregon’s best annual standup paddleboard gatherings, The 2017 Desert Orthopedic Bend Paddleboard Challenge (BPC) will take place June 24th and offer a long and short course as well as sprint races. The BPC boasts continued support from Kialoa, StandUpPaddle Bend, The Subaru Outside Games, including a national Subaru sponsorship and many core locals in the Central Oregon paddleboard scene. BPC is one of three Bend races and 12 statewide races which collectively comprise the Oregon Zone Paddleboard Race Series.

New to this years’ sponsorship roster is long standing local paddle outfitter, Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Sue Fox of Tumalo Creek will be race directing this years’ BPC. “The partnership is an excellent fit because Tuamlo Creek has been so committed to educating the Central Oregon community about paddleboarding. We also used to help host the informal race series which preceded the BPC on the Deschutes behind Tumalo Creek’s Bend location,” says Fox.

“The BPC is known throughout the Northwest for camaraderie and accessibility to novice paddleboarders, cultural influences and showcasing the sport of standup paddleboard racing,” explains Randall Barna, early Bend paddleboard pioneer. “These races give standup paddlers a purpose to be an enthusiast, get better and seek better equipment. Every recreational paddler or beginning racer, on any kind of board, will enjoy the short course.”

In 2010, the race was first conceived by former surfer and standup paddle trailblazer, Chip Booth (of StandUpPaddle Bend) and gained traction with support from Hawiian natives, Dave and Meg Chun (of Kialoa) and Barna. Their goal was to create a high desert event for the emerging sport of paddleboarding and the associated burgeoning race scene.

The race begins at Riverbend Park and runs down the Deschutes River through The Old Mill, where, after a half mile, the racers turn and paddle back up river.

After seven years, spectators and racers alike look forward to traditional Tahitian dancing to open the race, a plate lunch for competitors from Big Island Kona Mixed Plate, sponsored by Kialoa and demos offered to the public by an assortment of standup paddleboard vendors including Tumalo Creek.

To register visit www.bendpaddleboardchallenge.com. Registering before June 20th costs $25 and $35 after. Youth under 17 competes at no cost. Day of registering from 8-8:45am.

Don’t forget: Every Racer must provide and wear their own US Coast Guard approved PFD to race in the event. All Oregon State Boating Laws will be in effect, including a requirement for State Invasive Species Permits.

Race Schedule:

8:00 am   –  8:45 am           Registration

9:00 am                           Racer’s Meeting

9:30 am   – 11:00 am      5 Mile Race | 5 laps on 1 mile course

11:30 am – 12:30 pm      1 Mile Race | 1 lap on 1 mile course

12:45 pm –  1:15  pm      Kid’s Races | 500m sprint race (juniors 14 and under only)

1:30  pm  –  2:30 pm       Sprint Race | 500m sprint race

2:30  pm  –  whenevers Demos and socializing

Race Categories:

Long Course (competitive race)

– Open category for 14′ boards or less

– 50+ age, Open for 14′ boards or less

– Women 12’6″ boards or less

– Women 50+ age, 12’6″ boards or less

Short Course (recreational race, all boards)

– Men

– Men 50+

– Women

– Women 50+

– Junior Men (under 18)

– Junior Women (under 18)