The Local SUP Races You Need to Know About
We just concluded our last winter hurrah in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. As we pack up the snowboards and put our winter gear into hibernation, our thoughts are already turning to the SUP season. Not only are we in full planning mode for our classes and workshops this summer, but we’re also mapping out our race schedule. Here are the local SUP races you need to know about and why they’re some of our favorites.
The Carolina Cup: April 27
We typically start our SUP race season with the biggest SUP race of the year - the Carolina Cup. Okay, technically this isn’t local per se, but hear us out. The drive is manageable (about 5-6 hours from DC) and there’s an airport only 20 minutes away. And there’s a lot to love about this event!
Why we love it: This race is more than an event - it’s a festival. The SUP race itself is on a Saturday, but there are days of clinics, workshops, board demos, and a retail and manufacturer expo that lead up to it. If you have any questions about getting your paddle wet, this is the place to have them answered. There are clinics with pro paddlers and trainers and you have the opportunity to learn on-the-spot skills and techniques from the experts who live and breathe this stuff. There are 3 mile, 6 mile, and 13 mile race options - so basically something for everyone at every skill level!
It’s right around the corner, but there’s still time to register. Click here to sign up.
The Kumu’ohu Challenge: May 4
This is truly the only local race we have here in DC these days. It’s typically earlier in the season (think pre-Carolina Cup) and offers a great opportunity to get some race practice in before the big event. Since it’s usually so early in the season, which means water temperatures are usually still low, the race only offers one length (an 8k) for more experienced paddlers.
Why we love it: We love any opportunity to support our paddling club, the Washington Canoe Club, which hosts this event each year. We also enjoy getting a chance to race in our home waters and feel super comfortable navigating the race course. It’s really fun welcoming the SUP race community to our own backyard since so many races aren’t as local. Bonus: race registration is only $25.
The Bay Bridge Paddle: June 1
This race has only been around for four years, but it’s already becoming one of the largest attended local races. That’s probably because it’s so well managed by our friends at Sunrise SUP, who have also started bringing SUP pros to Annapolis for pre-race clinics.
Why we love it: The magnitude of where you’re paddling for this race always strikes us. There’s something humbling about padding in between the giant spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and we always recommend taking a moment to truly take it in. The conditions on the Bay are super variable, but getting to paddle in this location makes up for any wind or side chop you might encounter.
Return to Goat Island: June 22
This isn’t your typical SUP race. While there are shorter race options - a 1 miler or a 6 miler - the big draw is the 17 mile paddle down the Pocomoke River. The race is put on by Walk on Water SUP, and bonus: this year, the event is combining two premier paddle events and it’s benefiting Operation Second Chance, which supports wounded, injured, and ill combat veterans.
Why we love it: The distance of this race makes it really unique and provides a great chance to test your abilities for longer endurance races, like Chattajack and Sea Paddle NYC. Although this is generally a very glassy, flat water paddle, wind and current play a role in close finishes and we love putting to use our knowledge of the water (eddies, channels, etc.). We especially love the option to paddle this race as a relay team - it’s our first and only so far!
Chesapeake Stand Up Challenge: July 13
This is East of Maui’s annual race in downtown Annapolis, hosted at the Eastport Yacht Club. It’s a traditional SUP race (but started by a cannon!) that offers views of the U.S. Naval Academy and options for 1 mile, 3 mile, and 7 mile races.
Why we love it: We love to support our friends at East of Maui Annapolis, the only true year-round board shop in our area. These guys know their stuff! The race is always a challenge - conditions vary from year-to-year and you never know what kind of side wind will be battering you - but we enjoy testing our grit each year.
Streak the Creek: August 17
This is Mantra Fit’s 4th annual race, which marks the grand finale of its summer race league series.
Why we love it: We haven’t been able to participate in this one yet, but we love how Mantra Fit builds up the race community throughout the summer by encouraging first timers and experienced racers alike.
B’More SUP Cup: August 24
This is the third year for B’More SUP’s annual race on Bear Creek. Last year, Meredith and Fin paddled this course together for his SUP race debut. There are two course options - a 2.5 mile and a 5 mile.
Why we love it: First and foremost, this is a casual and fun race. The stoke is what brings people out to this event and we find that super refreshing. There’s no pressure to podium and no cash prizes, just a solid reason to get on the water for a little exercise, training, and camaraderie.
Team River Runner Biathlon: October 6
This is another unique event, with a 1 mile SUP sprint in the Potomac followed by a 3 mile run on the Capital Crescent Trail, which runs alongside the C&O Canal. It’s a fundraiser for Team River Runner, which provides adaptive paddling opportunities for veterans.
Why we love it: This event is also hosted at the Washington Canoe Club and, again, gives us a chance to welcome paddlers to our home waters. We find this one of the most challenging races we do because the transition between SUP and running feels so difficult. But, it’s incredibly inspiring to race alongside these veterans and athletes. That’s truly the biggest draw.
There are tons of SUP races every weekend across the country, and many more that are close to our area that aren’t on this list - New Jersey, Virginia, New York, to name a few spots. Check our Paddle Guru for a comprehensive list and to sign up.
And, whether you’re new to SUP racing or looking to refine your skills and get some additional practice, send us a note at aloha@dcsupcouple.com to get information about our upcoming SUP fitness & race training sessions.
