WPA Paddle Championships: 3rd Stop of the WST

The World Paddle Association (WPA) in conjunction with Uptown Columbus GA will host the WPA Paddle Championships presented by SALT LIFE on June 3-4, 2017 in Columbus, GA on the Chattahoochee River (90 miles South of Atlanta, GA).  There will be open entry for all competitors in all races.

Byron Kurt, President of the WPA: “While having long running events like Carolina Cup and the Gorge, we are also trying to expand the paddling market into new locations to grow the sport.

Columbus is a unique location and draws from several big paddling areas. You need to remember that we are always seeking to grow the sport and that is bringing paddling to cities like Columbus and the city of Columbus has welcomed the event with a lot of support.”

The WPA Paddle Championships is also the third stop on the World SUP Tour (after the Rincon Beachboy and the Carolina Cup), WST East region series, the WPA National Race Series and Salt Life Cup.

The World SUP Tour offers points and a Salt Life bonus money to the three top male and female point’s leaders at the end of the season and points toward the Salt Life Cup/WPA National Race Series.

OC, Surfski and Prone divisions entered in the distance race along with the Pro-Elite combined will offer $15,000 total prize money to the top finishers overall across the line (money breakdown pending total entries in each board class).

Clinics:

It will be possible to take part in clinics with two amazing riders:

2- Hour SUP Technique & Race Strategy Clinic by Chase Kosterlitz- $75.00 pp

Join International professional stand up paddler, Chase Kosterlitz, for a comprehensive clinic for paddlers of all abilities. One of the most important aspects of stand up paddling is technique. Chase will guide you through the fundamentals of technique, drills to improve technique and the skills needed to paddle longer, stronger and faster.

Chase will cover the key elements he’s learned from 8 years of racing and coaching around the world.  All clinic participants will also receive a free one-month membership to Chase’s paddle training and educational website, PaddleSociety.com.

1-Hour  Introduction to SUP Paddling and race clinic by Jeramie Vaine- $30.00 pp

Jeramie Vaine, Elite SUP competitor and WPA Class III certified instructor will be teaching the fundamentals of the stroke technique and the introduction to competing in races for beginning and intermediate paddlers. This class will give the paddler the confidence to be able to have fun in races while learning the key components of the stroke and get additional tips so you can continue to become better paddler.

Schedule:

All race distances, times and days are tentative and subject to change given weather and conditions.

Friday, June 2nd:

9am-6pm:  Vendor booth set-up
9am-6pm: On water Demos/Clinics
4-8pm: Registration/Check-in (Salt Life store)
5-6pm: Introduction to SUP Paddling and racing- Jeramie Vaine
5-7pm : Chase Kosterlitz SUP Technique & Race Strategy Clinic
6-9pm:  Welcome Party at the Salt Life store

Saturday, June 3rd – Technical Race:

7-10am: Registration/Check-in
8:30am: Open Race Meeting
9am: Open Race
10am: Kids Race Meeting
10:30am: Kids Race
11:30am: Pro Race Meeting
12pm: Pro-Elite SUP Race
1pm-5pm: On water Demos
7pm: Awards Party

Sunday 4th- Long Distance :

7-9 am: Registration/ Check-in
9:30 am: OC/Surfski start
9:35 am: SUP/Prone start
11:00 am: Pro SUP Men start
11:05 am: Pro SUP Women start
2-3pm: Awards

Register to the event on PaddleGuru