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!

Register before September 15th and get a free hoodie sweatshirt too!

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*

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!

F-ONE is a French company specializing into the production and distribution of kitesurfing and Stand-Up-Paddling equipment. By developing a range of equipment characterized by constant innovation, safety, comfort, power and maneuverability, our mission is to meet the expectations of all those passionate about watersports.

Infinity produces some of the finest surfboards, SUPs, and race boards around.

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

King's superior board designs and craftsmanship create true value for their customers. They combine time-tested methods of craftsmanship with the latest in design, shaping and manufacturing. Each board is precisely machine cut, hand finish shaped and hand crafted in the United States of America.

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.

Manera makes wetsuits, boardbags, and kite-surfing harnesses for the discerning water sports enthusiast. Manera is an accessory brand born from the experience of the F-ONE team who are behind the design and development of all the products that make up the Manera collection. Manera have taken time to design accessories that best suit the needs of all water based riders, and have paid particular attention to technical details, not only their appearance.

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.