EVENT RECAP: EPIC 30th ANNUAL SANTA CRUZ PADDLEFEST

March 22, 2016

Very successful weekend, we could not believe the epic conditions that we received all three days, not to mention the amazing experience of surfing steamer lane. The Lane Santa Cruz is perfect for spectators, judges and photographers to view the action first hand from the cliff. Big thank you to Covewater Paddle Surf Santa Cruz!

Event: 30th Annual Santa Cruz Paddlefest
Location: Santa Cruz, California

Very successful weekend in Santa Cruz, we could not believe the epic conditions that we received all three days, not to mention the amazing experience surfing Steamer Lane!

santa cruz paddlefest 2016 (13 of 22) — Poe performing a textbook bottom-turn!

“The Lane” breaks along West Cliff Drive and can hold waves of double overhead size. The Santa Cruz Paddlefest has Steamer Lane as host to an elite surfing competition of Surf Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards, and Waveskis. Each class competes separately doing dynamic maneuvers to earn points.

santa cruz paddlefest 2016 (15 of 22) — Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, CA

F-One International Team rider Poenaiki Raioha from Tahiti traveled quite a way to join the F-One & Manera National Team to compete against the world’s best Paddlers. I must say, between the insane conditions and top paddlers from around the globe, this ended up being a great show for the crowd. Steamer Lane is a perfect location for spectators, judges and photographers to view the action first hand from the cliff.

Poenaiki Roiaha Surfing Steamer Lane - Santa Cruz — Poenaiki Roiaha Surfing Steamer Lane. Photo: Billy Ackerman

Covewater Paddle Surf in Santa Cruz joined the event as a sponsor and supported the F-One & Manera team to a great extent! We cannot thank them enough, it would not have been able to do it without you guys! Special thanks to Olivier Guincetre (Ogee), Keith Chiseki and All Santa Cruz Paddlefest Event Organizers and Sponsors.

The competition level was high, Poenaiki Raioha missing the Finals by just two points finishing in Fifth place overall. First place went to Giorgio Gomez, 2nd Brandon Rambo, 3rd Mo Freitas and 4th place finish was Dave Boehne.

The Paddlefest is not only a SUP surf event at The Lane, there is a also a 10k race held at Cowell’s Beach! Poenaiki gave the race everything he had to pull a 6th place finish followed by Covewater/F-One Ambassador Keith Chiseki in 9th place.

12525308_1202957033049641_4483981940021608225_o — Poenaiki heads for the finish line of the 10k Race!

Overall this weekend was one to remember, the F-One & Manera Team had a great time with the Covewater Paddle Surf Crew. Thank you for the hospitality, and we look forward to participating again next year!