Organizers of this year’s North Carolina Surf to Sound SUP Challenge are expecting the best turnout in the event’s five-year history – with participation possibly doubling last year’s numbers, according to 2015 Race Director Mark Schmidt.
The Challenge will be held November 6 – 8 with a variety of stand up paddleboard races, the most grueling being Saturday’s 6.5 mile ocean start competition.
Last year’s addition of the Blockade Runner Flatwater Championship is being credited for the surge in competitors, since it allows paddlers who may not want to brave the unpredictable November ocean conditions to still participate. The 9 mile Flatwater race will be held on Sunday.
Other competitions in this year’s Surf to Sound Challenge include the 4-mile Harbor Island Outer Loop and a kids’ race. The 5th annual event is being hosted by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club.
Visit the Paddle Club’s website for additional information on race schedules and instructional clinics.