Windsurfing and Stand up Paddling -- Things to do in Central Oregon and around the state
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Winter 2008 Schedule, ONGOING:
Contact Randall Barna and get on his email list. He and his buddies have a goal to paddle the Deschutes River every month of the year. Note the white lump on the left side of this photo. It's Mt. Bachelor covered in January snows. That mountain is part of the Cascade Range that feeds water into this VERY cold river. Despite the craziness of this group, they do have standards. They only paddle if the air temp is 32F or above. They tried it at colder temps, but the ice build-up made loading the boards on the cars hazardous. Hard to believe that a bunch of paddlers fresh off a Winter river filled with lava rock boulders and submerged tree trunks are worried, but hey, Safety First!
Summer 2007 Schedule, ONGOING:
- Friday Evening paddle sessions on the Deschutes: Every Friday at about 4:30 or so. We meet at Alder Creek Kayak parking area by the Old Mill Shopping area.
- Thursday Evening windsurfing practice races: June 7 – August 30 6:00 PM till dark.
Assemble at Sunset View Beach (north end). We often have a
campfire to warm-up by and for roasting hot dogs. We
start with a three-minute countdown (wear stopwatches) and go
upwind, around a mark and finish by going around both buoys of
the start line. When everyone finishes we repeat the procedure.
Novice racers go around a short-course mark so they finish in
“the pack” and can compare their progress.
- Sunday Elk Lake Yacht Club Races: There will be three race days that we actually keep score. Tentatively set for June 24, July 22 and Aug 19. The July 22 race is dedicated to Harry “Hurricane” Johnson, Ross Johnson’s dad, who learned to windsurf on Elk Lake and made it a lifestyle. There will be at least three races per day on each of these days. One out of every three races will be a throw-out so you only need to make two race days to qualify. Skippers meeting is at 1:30, race time is 2:00pm.
ANNUAL EVENTS:
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FREE!! "Ladies First" CLINIC & DEMO DAY Join us for this Melika, Surftech, Kialoa & StandupPaddleBend.com event
Ladies (and men) visit the Melika store in the Old Mill Shopping mall in Bend, Oregon. Check out Melika's great line of activewear and waterwear (designed & manufactured in Oregon) perfect for your paddle experience. There is no better way to show-off a great body than standup paddling! After a dryland clinic we hit the water. Ladies are first on the boards, men will follow. Unlike surfing, which is predominantly macho male, standup on flat water is totally equal for women. Couples and the whole family can do this together!
You'll be paddling Surftech boards (including the Laird) with Kialoa paddles.WHERE: 520 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 602 (next to Aerosoles store). This mall is on the Deschutes River waterfront.
WHEN: We did this in 2007 in Sept. As soon as we set up a new date for 2008, we'll post it.
WHAT: A "dry land" clinic at the Melika store, then we'll head to the Deschutes River where you can learn to stand up paddle.
FOR MORE INFO: Call Randall Barna (StandupPaddleBend.com) 541-389-4547. -
Sept. 8, 9, 2007 -- 5th Annual Rogue Long Board Classic, "The Gathering", in Newport, OR. Registration closes Aug. 15th. First Year for Standup Paddle class. Sponsored by Rogue Brewery. Entry fee is $40. and includes a shirt. Refreshments, raffles, trophies -- it's a party! Details Stacey@rogue.com Phone 541-961-0142.
- Aug 3 to 5th, 2007-- The Gorge Cup US Windsurfing tour race: Scheduled for There will be a Hybrid class which includes Prodigy Class. US Nationals in San Fran Aug 7-11 www.uswindsurfing.org
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July 28th, 2007 -- Odell
Lake Pioneer Cup Paddling Race: (on Hwy 58, WIllamette
Pass) 5 mile long downwind race on a beautiful mountain lake.
When you're done have a beer and some BBQ. Info: July 28th,
Registration 8 am to 10 am. Race Begins at 11 am. From
Shelter Cove Resort (West Access) to Odell Lake Resort (East
Access).Race Classes: Canoe Open, Local,
Kayak-Solo, Tandem Outrigger, Solo, Tandem, Standup
Paddle. Always the last weekend of July.
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- Results for 2007 in Standup Paddle class: First, Randall Barna, Second, Isabella Barna, Third, Cristina Acosta, 4th Kerie Raymond. It was a windy, wavy beautiful day. See you next year.
Membership: There are no membership dues however, individuals often contribute when asked to maintain the race course buoys. The club is un-official, un-sponsored and you participate at your own risk. Caution: Windsurfing can cause injury or death.
