1. Tell us about SUP 101 and how the races began?
We have been racing since we opened - 10 years ago. The idea came from our own passion for competing in a healthy way. We had seen a lot of race scenes turn too competitive and unwelcoming not to mention disorganized. We wanted to do something different and really focus on a fun community vibe that was centered on racing to your personal best. It's not about beating someone but bettering yourself through competition. One ploy we use is to have lots and lots of divisions and welcome pretty much any forward facing paddler. Just by registering you're likely to be on the podium!
We run our racing in the winter to not overlap with all the summer action. Over the years our focus on the first-time racer as a priority knowing the elite athletes wouldn't be able to stay away. We found that by making the events well organized, making rental gear readily available, and keeping a fun low stressful environment (Dog on board racing encouraged) that people keep coming back. Over the years a nice little community has come together and has been able to leverage the larger crowd sizes to turn the events into effective fundraisers. We choose a new charity for every race. Some national in their efforts and others that are right here in our backyard. We have 2 more races this year Feb 19th benefiting the San Rafael Canal Alliance (local youth and community programs) and then on March 19th benefiting Lifehouse (developmental disabilities).
2. Can anyone enter the race and take part?
Yes, In fact we cater to the first timers knowing the elite athletes will come anyway.