Surf Blue Ridge SUP Celebration Sept. 14-16

The Surf Blue Ridge SUP event is the 2012 home for the WPA Region 11 Mid-South Championship on Sept. 14,15 & 16 and SUP Splash event.

After a stellar season of SUPSplash races last year, we have added three more event sites. Three of those will happen after the Blue Ridge race and will count for overall SUPSplash series champion points,separate from the WPA Regional series. We anticipate large registration numbers for this event. Keep tuned in for registration info as it unfolds.

The Surf Blue Ridge event will be a 3 day celebration of SUP. In addition to the WPA sanctioned race events and SUP Splash stop at Lake Blue Ridge, there are fun events for those I hope make the trek to Blue Ridge as a destination. On Friday the 14th, a bring your own food cookout and Sunset paddle so paddlers from all over can meet and share a mellow evening paddle session. On Saturday the 15th, SUP Splash and WPA events will begin at 11 A.M. with a water start. These events include a Beginner/short race of 2 miles with "surf style" boards only,maximum length 12'2''. The 8 mile Long/Elite race includes men 12'6, 14' and Unlimited. Awards and points for gender and race category. In addition, for those beyond beginner, yet not quite ready for Elite class, I'll have a 4 mile Intermediate division for race or surf style boards. Men 12'6 and 14, women 12'6 and Seniors. There must be a minimum of four entries for a class to happen. About an hour after these events, we'll have team and individual sprints. Finally, for all dog owners there will be a short race with your dogs on board. This year a lunch will be included for each participant.Following the day of races, a night party with food and live music.

On Sunday, for those staying the day, a paddle down the beautiful Toccoa River. A 7 mile trip from the Blue Ridge dam to Curtis Switch. Crystal clear water, wildflowers and wildlife abound. This is an easy class 1 section with several play waves for surfing. Water is deep enough to ride any type board without worry of hitting rocks. Hopefully, many will plan with idea of making your trip a destination for family and enjoy the Blue Ridge area. Only 45 minutes away is the famous Ocoee River that offers insane white water rafting and canopy zipline tours. We'll do our best to make this a memorable race and vacation spot to escape late summer heat!