Once upon a time, Dana Point stood as the epicenter of international SUP racing, home to some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. It all began with the legendary Battle of the Paddle, which later evolved into the Pacific Paddle Games. At its peak, hundreds upon hundreds of paddlers from around the globe lined up on the golden beaches of Southern California, turning Dana Point into a vibrant hub for the global SUP community.
While the big events eventually disappeared, the spirit of Dana Point’s paddling culture never died. A passionate local core of athletes and organizers kept the flame alive — and today, SUP racing is making a strong comeback.
This resurgence was on full display just two weeks ago at the Dana Point Harbor Hoot, an inclusive community-driven event that drew nearly 200 participants of all ages and skill levels. With its friendly vibe, scenic harbor course, and grassroots energy, the Harbor Hoot once again showcased why Dana Point remains one of the most iconic locations in the world of stand-up paddling.
To learn more about this revival and the enduring paddling culture at Dana Point, we spoke with Dave Boehne of Infinity SUP, who has been part of the scene from the very beginning.
Aloha Dave, thank for your time, I am just looking at the start picture of the last Harbor Hoot, it looks as colorful and crowded as any other picture we see from SUP Races in Europe. Can you tell us a bit how the turn out this year was and from how far the people came to participate?Â
This year is the 6th Annual Harbor Hoot and it’s really turned into the best community style SUP race in SoCal… The race caps at 200 paddlers with the space for the harbor and we always aim to get 150 paddlers or so… Final startlist was about 170 registered paddles so that is great.Â
Staying with this picture, we see SUP Race in Europe with similar participation and enthusiasm but more people talk about it and there seems to be a level of hype and excitement around it. Could it be that Southern California got a bit into its own SUP Bubble and we just don’t see much what’s going anymore, because not too many people or online media are talking about it
I would say that for sure. The scene is not as large as the golden years but it’s larger than many people think and I’m not sure why that is but 100 paddlers is not uncommon to get in your average weekend race. You will get more for the “core” favorite races like the Harbor Hoot and races like Hano Hano. I will say there are no new “pros” or any young guns coming up in SoCal which is interesting but 30-60 age group is full on .
Yes we see that trend all over the world.
We talked about SUP Surfing the other day and maybe we see a bit of the same syndrome here: People are doing the sport, it’s just that nobody is talking about it? Any similarities there?
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Yes. It’s very interesting for sure. There are pockets of SUP scenes but you definitely don’t see the race scene all up and down the coast like you used to. SUP surfing is fully a thing here in California and feels like it’s even growing.
To hook into the past and the future potential a bit. Your area has all the ingredients to be a great SUP Destination. Good weather, beaches, and you still have some of the pivotal characters in the sport right there. Is it possible that SUP might see a bit of a revival in California?
The races are getting fewer but the core one’s are growing. People are paddling there is not doubt. People also want to race but at a more casual pace. Sure there are guys that want to win but most are just out there to grind out some miles and hang out. There is not aspiration to be a “pro”
Do you think the Harbor Hoot has the potential to grow into a festival Style SUP event, like we seen it in the past and how we see it Europe, particularly Spain right now?
It’s got the potential for sure. The format is really cool. 3 short events so it’s not intimidating to race all day. We do a 3K sprint style “distance” race, an “M” course tech race with beach start and a relay tech race. We are limited with space and permitting but I can see it becoming a series. Implementing a couple other venues to complete a series and earn points to be the overall series champion I think will happen. For example adding something like the “Tahoe Hoot” so we have a bit of a destination aspect of it give people a reason to get out there.
Besides the Harbor Hoot, Candice Appleby just launched a race of her own, do you think her organizing a second race in Dana Point is already a sign of a growing demand of SUP Racing in Southern California.
Yes, and a renewed interest in ocean racing. Of course there is a place for pure flat water racing as you see it growing and everywhere in places like Europe. I myself get so bored of it. Ocean racing with added elements is what the sport was born from and ultimately takes the widest skillset to be one of the best. I have a lot of respect for paddlers who can do it all well.
Thank you very much Dave for your words.
Blast from the past
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That was the Pacific Paddle Games in 2018. Dohney Beach Park the the epicenter of the SUP World. We at the Stand Up Magazin started going there in person around 2013. We are glad to have all this content and pictures from SUP days that most people only know from hear say.
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