Stand Up Races Returning To Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay Resort ambassador Kai Lenny (far left) won last year’s Stand Up World Series finals. Competitors from more than 20 countries are expected this year. Photo courtesy Hank Fotos, Waterman League.

The greatest stand-up paddle racers from around the globe will convene Oct. 10-12 at Turtle Bay Resort for the third annual Stand Up World Series Finals, and local paddlers can register until Oct. 10 to join them.

Hosted by Waterman League, which organizes competitions for stand-up paddling around the world, including recent races in Japan, Germany and Brazil, the finals will offer three categories.

* Elite Racing is a long-distance race that goes from Turtle Bay to Haleiwa at 1 p.m. Oct. 11, followed by surf sprints near the resort’s Pool Bar the next day at 12:30 p.m. All paddlers must use the 12-foot-6 class of boards. Registration fee is $150.

* Those competing in Open Racing also will follow the Turtle Bay-to-Haleiwa trek, with three options: standing ($60), prone ($60) or OC1 ($100), all on 14-foot boards at 10 a.m. Oct. 10.

* Keiki paddlers can register for Youth Racing for free, and their race will take place at Kuilima Cove at 10 a.m. Oct. 12.

In addition to the races, a World Series Talk Story session with windsurfer Robby Naish is set for 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Surfer, The Bar. Tickets will be sold at the door.

To register, visit eventbrite.com. More information about the event will be posted at watermanleague.com.