Dana Point Harbor Hoot 2026 – Keeping the SUP Spirit Alive

Seven years of the Dana Point Harbor Hoot, and one thing is clear: Dana Point, California, remains one of the spiritual homes of Stand Up Paddling. While the global SUP Racing scene continues to evolve, events like the Infinity SUP Dana Point Harbor Hoot remind us what made this sport so special in the first place – community, friendship and a shared passion for paddling.

The 7th Annual Infinity SUP Dana Point Harbor Hoot, presented by Board & Brew, returned to Baby Beach on October 10, 2026, bringing together recreational paddlers, competitive racers, families and some of the most recognizable names in SUP history.

Dana Point – Where SUP History Was Made

For those who have followed Stand Up Paddling since its early days, Dana Point needs little introduction. This stretch of Southern California coastline played a major role in shaping modern SUP Racing, particularly through the legendary Battle of the Paddle.

Back then, Dana Point was the center of the SUP Racing universe. The biggest names in the sport came together, the industry was booming and the atmosphere around the races was something special.

Those days may be behind us, but the spirit certainly isn’t.

Candice Appleby and Dave Boehne of Infinity SUP deserve recognition for their continued efforts to keep the local SUP scene alive. Events like the Harbor Hoot might not have the international prestige or prize money of the old Battle of the Paddle, but they carry something equally important: the culture and community that helped build the sport.

SUP Legends, Young Guns and Familiar Faces

What makes the Harbor Hoot particularly special is the mix of people showing up.

It was great to see legendary surf pioneer Mickey Muñoz among the participants. Muñoz represents a generation of watermen whose influence reaches far beyond Stand Up Paddling.

Then there was Jade Howson, a name many will remember as one of the young junior competitors coming through during the Battle of the Paddle era. Seeing athletes from those early days still connected to the sport is a reminder of just how much history Dana Point carries.

The participation of Izzi Gomez and her brother Giorgio Gomez, both well-known for their SUP Surfing backgrounds, added another dimension to the event. And with San Diego’s Soryn Preston also joining the action, the Harbor Hoot brought together different generations and disciplines of the sport.

It is exactly this mix of surf legends, established SUP athletes, recreational paddlers and newcomers that makes an event like this worth talking about.

Nearly 200 Paddlers and Something for Everyone

The Harbor Hoot is not trying to be another elite-only SUP Racing competition. Quite the opposite.

The centerpiece of the event was the 3K Channel Scoot, designed to bring nearly 200 paddlers onto the water across seven divisions. Recreational paddlers, inflatable boards, adaptive athletes, multi-person teams and dedicated raceboard competitors all had their place.

And yes, the popular SUP & Pup Division returned as well, allowing paddlers to bring their four-legged friends along for the ride.

Other activities included the Harbor Hustle, Baby Beach Bolt Team Relay, a free Stroke Clinic and live on-water demonstrations.

With a $50 entry fee covering all events, lunch from Board & Brew, an official event towel and a competitor raffle, the organizers clearly focused on making participation accessible and enjoyable.

Keeping the Roots of SUP Alive

At the Stand Up Magazin, we have followed the evolution of Stand Up Paddling for more than 16 years. We have seen the massive growth, the industry boom, the professionalization of SUP Racing and the challenges that followed.

Today, much of the international attention goes to world championships, rankings and elite racing. Those competitions are important, but the long-term health of the sport also depends on events that bring people together without requiring them to be professional athletes.

The Dana Point Harbor Hoot is a great example of what grassroots SUP should look like.

It connects the pioneers with the next generation, competitive athletes with recreational paddlers, and keeps Dana Point’s rich SUP heritage alive.

Credit goes to Candice Appleby, Dave Boehne, Infinity SUP and everyone involved in making this event happen.

Dana Point may no longer be the center of the global SUP Racing calendar, but it remains a place where the heart of Stand Up Paddling beats strong.

Official race results and podiums will be added when available.

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It take a community like ours to keep the Spirit of SUP alive and going. Please support us to continue to be part of this spirit for many more years.