Hennessey's River Race

Just a few days after placing 2nd in Hennessey's 8 mile SUP race in Dana Point Chuck Patterson dominated on the 9th at the River Race. The race followed the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada to Needles, Arizona, and was slated to be an 18 miles downriver paddle. But things changed, as things do, and race day calculations estimated a 28 mile gruelling test of their endurance.

"This was one of the hardest races I've ever done," said Chuck Patterson who had joked about a leisurely down river float with a few beers on his board. "Weren't we all wrong." You can read more at Surfers Village.

If you have read this blog before you know how proud KIALOA is of Chuck and his accomplishments as a waterman.

"Thanks again for all the great support and the awesome paddles!!" ~ Chuck

Hobie/Hennessey Waterman's Challenge

Congratualtions to Hobie team riders and brothers Bryce and TJ Saemon for placing first and second respectively in the stock SUP division. The Hobie/Hennessey Waterman's Challenge was held in Dana Point at Doheny State Beach on June 6th. The fast growth of SUP and competetive equipment becomes more apparent with each event.

The Gorge Games

The 2008 Gorge Games in Hood River, Oregon are this weekend. Outrigger races have been held in July on the Columbia River for 12 years. The Gorge that separates Oregon from Washington is one of the country's most famous spots for watersports. The unique conditions of current and wind create some really fun action in the water.

This is the premier race in the Northwest and has attracted paddlers from Hawaii, California and Canada every year. The weekends Outrigger events include a fun downwinder for OC-1, OC2, and Surfskis. Saturday are the 6 man races and Sunday the one man races. New this year is the addition of an SUP category. KIALOA has always been a proud participant of The Gorge Outrigger Races both as paddlers and sponsor. This year KIALOA will have three employees racing and officiating at the races.

Pray to the River Gods for wind!

Chuck and Bitsy

Chuck Patterson takes his Mother, Bitsy, out for a paddle. Extreme sports run in the family. Bitsy was a professional skiier and windsurfer and started her son on the same path at an early age. Chuck is now one of the most accomplished extreme sport atheletes and an amazing waterman.

KIALOA is proud to sponsor such and amazing athelete. His feedback and support of KIALOA's surf paddles is invaluable. Find out more about Chuck at Hobie.com and be on the lookout for his beautiful new website being launched soon.

Photo Courtesy of Joe McBride