Fun local race needs more surfskis and outrigger canoes.

Local fund raiser for Ventura High School aquatics program Sept 29.
We get a pretty good turn out, mostly prone and SUP. Short race, but, usually has around 15 knots with 2' -3' bumps.
Surfskis and canoes welcome!
Check it out:

paddleguru.com/races/HealTheBeach11thAnnualDownwindRace

Are you going? And what is the course generally, the coursemap on paddleguru doesn't work...

Im just guessing on this, but based on the description of starting at Mondo beach and ending at the pier, here is what I would estimate the course to be.

Hey Marcus, Thorsten,

Yeah Marcus, That is a pretty good approximation of the course.
But, typically everyone hugs pretty close to the coast and the finish is between my boat and the pier. It's all pretty informal. The two obstacles to avoid are the kelp bed off Solimar beach, probably gone now due to ridiculously warm water, and overhead reef. Best to go outside, about 1/4+ mile out. There are no bouys or markers. Follow the lead boat or paddler. Fastest course is almost always a straight line. Of course going farther offshore will give a better downwind angle eventually. The beach start at Mondos is easy. Parking is probably more difficult. The landing at the pier can sometimes be challenging. Steep beach with cobblestones. Good to have help there. If the beach landing is to dicey, you can always head to harbor. Most races have about 15 - 20 knots with 2-3 feet. I like to round the point at the fairgrounds and try to find a wave to ride down the beach. Just can't help myself. Usually a lot of kite boarders there though.
All good fun and hope to see you guys there.
Kirk

Ah, I missed the pier arrival mention. 6mi, basically one long sprint...

It's this coming saturday... Kirk and Marcus(?) are you guys going? What is the process, drop boat off at mondos, drive to pier and park, then get ride back up? I haven't looked at the tides, but it seems there's not much space at mondos to leave stuff, is there?

Hello Thorsten, So their is no organized shuttle service and everyone is pretty much on their own. I think most paddlers get dropped off by friends/family that then go to finish line gathering or organize shuttle with other paddlers.
Looks like high tide, but, there is a decent beach their now. If it's a nice day and there is any surf, the beach will be crowded. Parking can be distant, but, you can unload right at the beach.
I will be providing an escort boat and my boat will most likely be the finish line. Merv Larson will be operating my boat while I race. If you, and Marcus are interested, You can go up to the start with me on my boat and then paddle back to the harbor after the finish line gatheing. Just remember if you place you will have to paddle through the surf with your "Painted Rock" trophy.
Just give me a call and let me know.

Things are shaping up for an interesting race on Sat. Forerunners from hurricane Rosa will slowly move in. Should be inconsistent with plenty of time to paddle out/in between waves. Waves at start are typically quite soft and break farther offshore. Lots of room to remount if necessary. At the finish the waves are a bit more powerful and break closer to the beach. Patience, timing and caution are advised.
Forecasts are for light winds 10 - maybe 15 mph from the WSW.
Unfortunately not the typical W 15 - 20 we like so much!
Hoping for a great turnout!

Marcus, are you doing a car shuttle where I could hitch a ride or are you on Kirk's boat?

Thorsten, give me a call. I need to nail down plans for tomorrow, not sure as of yet if I will ride with Kirk, but I might be able to help out with a shuttle.

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