From the Goal Line » Northwest Paddle Surfers

Paddle surfing galore on Sunday

Megan Managan — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:02:25 +0000

This Sunday, Sept. 12 is the second annual Round the Rock paddle surfing race. The event last year drew in hundreds of paddlers and interested people to check out the sport, which is rapidly gaining popularity in the Pacific Northwest.

This year to accommodate the larger event (organizers Jeff Underwood and Dan Eberhardt have said they expect as many as 300 people to attend) it has been moved from the Island to Seward Park, just across the lake.

The 13-mile course goes around Mercer Island (heading south first). Later in the afternoon there will be a kids fun race (a free event) followed by the 2.5-mile race. This year, for the first time, an elite division will feature cash prizes, with winner potentially getting $1,000 for the men’s races and $500 for the women. Because of the increased popularity, my guess is these elite races are going to be exciting!

The SUP expo will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the park. It features free demo’s, music, food and raffle prizes which will benefits Children’s Hospital and the Surfrider Foundation.

Here’s a look at the schedule for the day:

7:00 AM Check-in for the 13 mile race begins

8:30 AM Mandatory racers meeting for 13 mile race

8:50 AM Hawaiian blessing

9:00 AM 13 mile race start

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM SUP Expo and SUP demos open to the public

12:00 PM 19th Annual International Paddle Out for Clean Water (Traditional Water Circle)

1:00 PM Free Kids Fun Race

1:15 PM Check-in deadline for 2-1/2 mile race

1:30 PM Mandatory racers meeting for the 2-1/2 mile race

2:00 PM 2-1/2 mile Race

4:00 PM Award and prize ceremony

Last year’s event was a ton of fun, lots of great things going on, and I know this year it will be bigger and better.

For more information check out the Northwest Paddle Surfers site (Jeff and Dave run the Round the Rock race) and check out the blog of Beau Whitehead (who won the event last year) for more on paddle surfing.

Islanders give demos in paddle boarding at Boat Show

Megan Managan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:55:40 +0000

We’re just about a month away from the second Round the Rock paddle surfing race here on Mercer Island.

Northwest Paddle Surfers Jeff Underwood and Dan Eberhardt are going to be showcasing their paddle boards and the sport during this weekend’s Seattle Boat Show.

The pair will be offering free demonstrations throughout the boat show, in between wake boarding demonstrations.

If you’ve been looking for a chance to try this out, definitely give it a try.

The Round the Rock race on Sept. 12 will feature hundreds of local and elite paddlers going around Mercer Island. I’ll have more on this event as we get closer. Paddle on!

Paddle surfing demo at Luther Burbank this Sunday

Megan Managan — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:04:28 +0000

Ever wanted to give paddle surfing a try? Check it out this weekend as the ‘Round the Rock organizers Jeff Underwood and Dan Eberhardt will be offer a free demo on Sunday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Luther Burbank swimming beach.

Jeff said in an email: We will have ample boards and paddles of various shapes and sizes for you to try. Expert instruction will also be provided for the uninitiated. If you happen to already own some equipment, bring it, and join us on the water. There’s nothing cooler than seeing dozens of people “walking” on the water.

From previous experience I can say paddle surfing is a blast, easy to learn and a great way to get out on the water, especially now that the weather has made a turn for the beautiful.

The duo will be gearing up for the second annual ‘Round the Rock race, Sept. 12.