November 18-20th, 2016

Davenport Landing, CA
A surf contest to celebrate paddle surfing

2014 was a record setting year, with a record number of competitors. 2015 had some of the gnarliest conditions we’ve ever experienced.

2016 brings us a new, three day format.  

Running a grassroots contest is always a balancing act.  Maintaining a good vibe, having fun, keeping folks happy.  As the contest has grown in popularity,there have been some stumbles.  So, with a lot of thought, and by popular request, I’m changing the format to three days, Friday-Sunday.

This will allow:

  • A few more slots for surfers.

  • Quarter finals, semi finals, and finals for the bigger categories.   For me, this is the big one.

  • All finals will be on Sunday

  • 19 minute heats

  • Less crazy days of many many heats for those that advance.

The way it will work is every contestant will surf Friday and Saturday, guaranteeing at least two rounds of surfing per category entered. At the Saturday evening paddler’s party, we will post the standings from the first two days, which will determine who advances to quarter finals, semi finals, or finals. If you have competed at the Santa Cruz Paddlefest, it will be structured largely like that.  Sunday will be Quarter finals, Semi finals and all Finals.

The Davenport Paddle Surf Classic has been around for many years, held at legendary break about 20 minutes north of Santa Cruz. In previous years of the contest, we’ve had waves range from small to scary big, but always competitors that demonstrate skill, style, and sportsmanship. We celebrate all forms of paddle surfing, with divisions of kayaks, waveskis and stand up paddle boards (SUP).

We have a unique category called King of the Wave, which pits all forms of paddle surf competitors together in a head to head battle, regardless of surf craft. Most competitors enter this as a second category. Every year, we have had SUP’s, kayaks and waveskis have made the finals. Scores have been close, and it demonstrates that any one of the paddle surf craft could easily be competitive with the incredible athletes that were paddling them!

Details are still being ironed out, but we will have cash prizes in some categorizes.

A special prize will be awarded to the highest ranked first time competitor in each category. Meaning, if this is your first Paddle surf contest, then you qualify for a chance at a special prize.

Entry fee includes a dinner and party Saturday night, and an event T-shirt. All competitors will be entered in a raffle for sweet prizes. Last year we gave away thousands of dollars worth of gear!

Sweatshirts available for pre-order before noon 11-8-2016.    Entries after noon on 10-8-2016 will not be guaranteed a shirt in their size.   

Categories

  • Open High Performance Kayak Any “sit inside” kayak under 9 feet in length
  • Open International Class Kayak International Class standard kayak, minimum length 3 meters, max 4 meters.
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Any stand-up paddle board w/leash & powered by a single blade paddle.
  • Women’s Stand Up Paddleboard Any stand-up paddle board w/leash & powered by a single blade paddle paddled by women. Women will likely surf with the men, then have their own finals.
  • Women’s Kayak or Waveski Any sit inside kayak or waveski. Women will likely surf with the men, then have their own finals.
  • Waveski Any SOT kayak or ‘wave ski’ under 3.5 meters in length.
  • King of the Waves – Kayak, Waveski, SUP. Head to head in the battle royale.
  • Juniors Kayak and Juniors SUP Under 18 at the time of the contest.
  • Adaptive Waveski For athletes with spinal cord injuries or amputations.

Many thanks to our 2015 Sponsors, shown below.  This contest wouldn’t happen without the support of our sponsors, so thanks to them again.   Many of them are returning for 2016.

*If you are interested in sponsoring the 2016 event, please email geoff@kayaking.com*

2016 Contest Presented By Bluerush

The Bluerush name, spirit, culture, family and Bluerush team represent life in and around our oceans, lakes, harbors and rivers. We are all about being a part of and living with our world of water. Bluerush represents the essence of and close connection with like-minded individuals and families who make embracing the water culture an important part of their world and life. At Bluerush we are involved with and support local, national and international groups and organizations whose goals fit closely with ours. Goals and missions that support individual health and fitness as well as the health and nurturing of nature. Bluerush sponsors and produces some of the biggest and best SUP and Kiteboard races in California

Covewater SUP of Santa Cruz is the only fully dedicated stand up paddleboard (SUP) shop in Northern California. We are passionate about paddleboarding. Providing the best in stand-up paddling equipment & accessories, SUP classes and SUP rentals is our sole focus. Stand up and see the water from a whole new perspective!

Kayak Connection is Monterey Bay's favorite outfitter for sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding rentals, sales, lessons and tours.

A friendly neighborhood paddling shop on the Central Coast dedicated to kayak and standup paddleboard (SUP) rentals, lessons, and eco-friendly Adventure Tours.

Current Adventures Kayak School and Trips is a professional kayak school specializing in quality personal and group instruction in virtually all aspects of kayaking.

A organization devoted to bringing together all disciples of paddle surfing. Kayaks, waveskis and SUP.

Ninkasi Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing the highest quality craft beers in support of culture, community, and the uniqueness of each individual and their passions—while evoking as much enjoyment as possible along the way! We believe in and are committed to sharing experiences that create value for our customers, our partners, and our communities in service to our core purpose: to Perpetuate Better Living. Beer is a staple of civilization. Believe in the Goddess.

Manufacturer of custom surf kayaks and more.

101 Surf Sports is a full service Water Sports Sporting Goods Shop specializing in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Prone Paddleboarding, Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, Surfing, and Kayaking. We offer the San Francisco Bay Area a full range of lessons, gear rentals, board repair, kayak storage, stand up paddleboard storage, boat storage, and guided tours

The River & Ocean Paddlesports Coaching Collective is dedicated to the delivery of quality, student-centered instruction and coaching in kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Working in collaboration and not competing with outfitters and retailers in the region, we provide: advanced level skills training and assessment; personalized coaching and mentoring; professional guide training and assessment; instructor training and assessment; fun, exciting and educational trips on San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay and the Open Coast.