Friday, January 18, 2013

SURF EXPO & ORANGE BOWL PADDLE CHAMPIONSHIP


Surf Expo/Orange bowl ….Road trip
Wow….what a road trip-nonstop driving both down and back!  We are missing the sun and warmth already.

There were some great products at Surf Expo-Eco friendly boards, Fishing sup boards, nightsups, new colors everywhere and more companies providing sports attire and accessories for the sport.

After visiting Surf Expo we headed south to Miami to get a warm up paddle in the day before the Orange Bowl.  We went out of the harbor at Bayside Miami and encountered just a little breeze and slight chop. I showed Leigh where she would be paddling the 3 mile course and to look for some manatee.
Once we walked out of the hotel on Sunday and almost got blown over we knew conditions were quite different from the day before.  Strong winds and plenty of chop led to some gnarly conditions.  Staying on your board was the task to be completed then add some strokes!  We both faced the brutal conditions and felt like when you complete a race like that you walk away with a HUGE sense of accomplishment and know you just grew physically and mentally.  Leigh was glad she got to race in a different area, “I haven’t been proud of myself in a long time. I have been in a rut with inspiring myself and this event was very worthwhile and helped ignite me.”



Regardless of the conditions, this race is a fun, well organized race that you will want to mark on your calendars!  Plus getting away to some warm weather in January isn’t a bad idea.


Paddle On,

Dawn & Leigh



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