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California's Wave Chaser
Paddle Series
Helping paddlers extend their kayak season for year-round enjoyment

TopKayaker.net was first notified about the ambitious schedule of race events sponsored by some members of California's Hui Wa'a Outrigger Canoe club in the early fall of 2002. The plan was to hold monthly paddle craft races during the colder months of October through April.

Since then the Wave Chaser Paddle Series has become an annual event. Inviting paddlers of human-powered watercraft that includes outriggers, surf skis, kayaks, and paddleboats, it is structured to encourage all, expert and newbie, to race their best in each race while having a great time.

The Wave Chaser Paddle Series is now considered Northern California's premiere winter racing event for paddlers, promoting the awareness of the sport to the greater Northern California community. The coming race schedule of 2006-2007 will draw paddlers locally throughout California , as well as from out-of-state. It will include Half Moon Bay, Fort Baker, and a Berkeley to Redwood City Relay Race.

The series consists of seven races, set at unique locations throughout the Bay Area and with separate courses geared towards all levels of paddling expertise. Participants will accumulate points, making themselves eligible for prizes at the end of the season donated by sponsors. Race regulations can be viewed on their website at WAVE CHASER Competition Rules and Guidelines.

Mike Martinez, Dave Jensen, and Mike Ng, friends from the Hui Wa'a Outrigger Canoe Club in Redwood City, conceived the idea of a winter racing series after noticing that there was a lack of participation from the paddling community during the winter months. They've certainly cured that problem.

Wave Chaser is also the main organizer of the U.S. Surfski Championships (www.ussurfski.com), attracting top paddlers within the United States and internationally. If you would like to participate in the Wave Chaser Paddle Series you can keep up to date on upcoming events by subscribing to their Yahoo Group at this link. Their website is full of useful information as well.

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