Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing Series: Jay Wild’s Guide to Tahoe’s Downwind Magic

Jay Wild, a prominent figure in the US paddling community for close to 20 years, offers insights into the thrilling 2024 Tahoe Downwind Championships, set for August 17. This event, the second stop of the prestigious Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing Series, promises an exhilarating challenge for all ocean paddle craft enthusiasts. With the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Tahoe, competitors will tackle a 9-mile downwind course that starts on the West Shore and finishes at Tahoe Waterman Landing. Jay highlights the unique conditions and rigorous training needed to excel in this dynamic event, inviting paddlers to experience the thrill of racing across one of the most stunning venues in the sport.

Jay, can you please introduce yourself and share your sports background and role at Tahoe Waterman?

Hello Mathieu. I’m Jay Wild. I started outrigger paddling in 2005 and have since developed into a water athlete, mastering all ocean paddle crafts. This passion led me to travel to Tahiti to compete in the Ironmana race in Bora Bora, where I placed 3rd overall. Since I picked up a paddle, I have qualified to compete with some of the top men’s outrigger canoe crews in California, helping clubs win numerous races, including a 2nd place finish in the US Championships. I also represented the USA at the Stand-Up Paddle World Championships, bringing home individual and team medals. I have dominated Northern California paddle events and continually push my boundaries as a paddler across all crafts.

Could you give us an overview of the Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing Series? What inspired its creation, and what are its main objectives?

The Tahoe Paddle Racing Series was entrusted to my wife Anik and me by the legendary Phil Seagal when he retired from life in Tahoe. We honored his legacy by continuing the renowned Tahoe Lake Crossing event in September and the Paddle Jam in early summer. We also introduced the Tahoe Downwind Championship because, admittedly, downwind paddling is my personal favorite. The main objectives of the event series are to provide an opportunity for people to paddle the majestic Lake Tahoe, set goals and objectives within their paddling journey, and test their fitness. Additionally, we aim to give paddlers and their families an excuse to travel to Lake Tahoe—not only to paddle but also to enjoy hiking, biking, and the beauty of the Sierra’s landscape.

How did the Tahoe Paddle Jam – the series’ first event – go? Were there any memorable moments or standout performances you’d like to highlight?

The Paddle Jam is always a great time—an early-season time trial for mountain paddlers as they transition from snow sports, celebrating the start of summer with the solstice. We’ve been reintroducing the technical SUP race and working hard to bring back the excitement of SUP racing in Northern California. All ocean paddle crafts (SUP, Prone, Outrigger, and Surfskis) are welcome at all Tahoe Paddle Racing Events.

Can you tell us about the upcoming Tahoe Downwind Championships on August 17? Who can participate, and what is the race format and distance?

All ocean paddle crafts (SUP, Prone, Outrigger, and Surfskis) are welcome to compete in the Downwind Championship, though there is a time limit to complete the 9-mile course. This point-to-point race begins in the late afternoon on the West Shore of the lake and finishes at our beloved beach club, Tahoe Waterman Landing. In the morning, we celebrate the groms with a swim, prone, and SUP challenge, and we offer a 3-mile short course that includes a special SUP and PUP category for dog lovers.

What are the typical conditions of Lake Tahoe in August? What sort of downwind experience can participants expect during the championship?

Mother Nature always has the final say, but Lake Tahoe’s expansive fetch and strong afternoon winds create the perfect conditions for riding bumps and gliding across the crystal-clear waters of the Tahoe Northshore. The prevailing winds generally come from the southwest, though they shift throughout the day. During the summer, morning winds gradually change from light and easterly to southeasterly, then southerly, and finally settle into a southwesterly direction by early afternoon, usually just after 2:00 PM.

As a coach, what training recommendations do you have for athletes preparing for the Tahoe Downwind Championships? Are there specific techniques or strategies they should focus on?

Tahoe’s winds create short, choppy intervals, and to go fast in these conditions, the key strategy is to continuously and relentlessly attack. High-intensity training is essential for your body to adapt to the lake’s downwind conditions. There aren’t many chances to sit back and glide for long rides, so a high level of fitness is crucial for success, including a strong Zone 2 base. That said, anyone can still enjoy the thrill of chasing Tahoe’s bumps.

What are the safety recommendations and mandatory requirements for participants?

The primary safety advice is to know your limits, paddling style, and abilities. On the California side of Lake Tahoe, wearing a PFD is mandatory, and we require a leash to ensure athletes don’t get separated from their vessels. In August, the water temperature is relatively warm, ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s. However, since Lake Tahoe is an alpine mountain lake at 6,000 feet of elevation, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, even in cooler temperatures, due to the effects of altitude.

To register :
Paddleguru.com

For more information:
www.watermanslanding.com
www.facebook.com/tahoewaterman
www.instagram.com/tahoewaterman/