Local Stand Up Paddling scene in Vernon continues to grow!
Building on the success of the Kalamalka Classic event, Kalavida Surf Shop has been hosting a local Stand-Up Paddle race series to further promote the sport in the region.
Dubbed the Summer SUP Series, the grassroots events have helped develop the sport and attendance has continued to grow with each race. With a growing number of enthusiasts taking to ‘SUP’, a strong local presence has helped make it the largest series of its kind on the Mainland of BC. Vernon is blessed with having three local lakes and plenty of rivers to play on which makes it one of the top destinations for the sport in Canada.
The series will come to a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday, August 17th when Kalavida hosts the Grandiso Finale’ SUP race. The event is open to all paddlers, both new and experienced and for those who may not have a board, Kalavida is offering a special rate for board and entry fee to further encourage participation. The Grand Prize is a C4 Waterman River SUP Package that includes a board, paddle, helmet and accessories.
The final race is a two-part effort that includes an iSUP sprint race and a short circuit course called ‘SUP Dock. Immediately following the race, there will be an afterparty and awards ceremony to celebrate the first season of SUP racing in the area.
The race is organized by the crew at Kalavida Surf Shop so you can expect some fun and a few surprises during the event. “The SUP community is made up of people from all types of sporting backgrounds so we like to mix it up to keep everyone on their feet…literally! said Kevin O’Brien of Kalavida. “It’s been amazing to meet so many great people and watch the sport grow so organically” he adds. The event is supported by C4 Waterman and partial proceeds will be donated to SPrKL (Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake).
Get all of the details on the race through the Kalavida website at www.kalavidasurfshop.com or at www.oksup.com.
Series Standings:
Wahine’s (women)
- Sheila Sovereign, Vernon 24
- Regena Seminutin, Vernon 20
- Megan Desimone, Vernon 12
- Michele Tarr, Vernon 12
- Lisette Smid, Coldstream 12
Kane (men)
- Wade ‘Woody’ Anderson, Coldstream 20
- Cory Ferguson, Vernon 20
- Gary ‘Kuku Hoe’ Wessels Vernon 13
- Shawn Sanders, Vernon 11
- Bob Woodman, Vernon 8
And what about Kalavida Surf Shop
Kalavida – That little Surf/SUP shop across from Kalamalka Beach at the south end of Vernon, BC. Fully stocked, and stoked, about the sport of Stand Up Paddle Surfing/Boarding. Serving up sales, rentals, classes, surf wear, tiki-bits and more – 13908 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream (Vernon), BC. 778-475-5808 www.kalavidasurfshop.com
For more information, please contact
Kevin O’Brien
778-475-5808
