Paddling to the Finish in Dana Outrigger Race
Outrigger clubs from Santa Barbara to San Diego are expected to compete in a rigorous, open water race from Dana Point to Laguna Beach and back.
The 20-mile, outrigger canoe race marks the 30th annual competition sponsored by the Dana Outrigger Club. About 600 competitors are expected.
Coordination is crucial in such a strenuous race. Teams are made up of nine paddlers: Six crew members paddle while three rest, then rotate every 20 to 25 minutes.
“If everything works right, the crew in the boat does not miss a stroke,” race director Matt Holke said.
Called the Whitey Harrison Classic, the race is named for the man credited with introducing outrigger racing to Dana Point in 1959. Harrison was active in the club until his death in 1993 at 80 years old.
The public is invited to watch the paddlers as they take off and return from Doheny State Beach Park.
The women’s race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the men’s race starts upon the women’s return.
A luau will be held around noon at the park, with entertainment provided by a steel drum band. The event is free, but parking is $5.
LONGBOARD HOMECOMING
Colin McPhillips, the San Clemente resident who is also the reigning world longboard champion, will be a local celebrity twice over when the Lost Summer Surfing Festival comes to the San Clemente Pier Aug. 18-20.
Other locals expected to compete including Josh Baxter and Brenden White. Also expected to compete are former World Champions Joel Tudor and Bonga Perkins.
The festival is billing itself as the first Assn. Surfing Professionals event held inside the city limits.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BICYCLING
Saturdays
* Orange Coast Velo cycling club meets at Worthy Park, located at 17th and Main Street in Huntington Beach. Rides vary from 25 to 50-plus miles and begin at 7:30 a.m. with periodic regrouping and rest stops. After-ride socializing at Noah’s Bagels on Main Street. For information call Jerry, (714) 960-4214 or Peter (714) 848-7618.
* Orange County Wheelmen training, 7 a.m., Food Park, MacArthur and Main, Irvine. Beginner and intermediate training group will ride and stay as a group. Informal lectures will cover stretching, nutrition and hill climbing. Led by Fred and Peg Bauer, (714) 997-0892.
* Bicycle Club of Irvine rides, 9 a.m., meet at Deerfield Park, Irvine. Three routes, 10-15, 15-25 and 25-35 miles, each with a stop midway for breakfast. Rides finish at about 11:30 a.m. Ride leaders Scott and Sandy Angle, (714) 960-4068.
* Velo Allegro Cycling Club meets at 8 a.m. at Long Beach Marina off Second Street for 24-mile ride at 14-18 mph pace. Those with paceline experience meet at 7:30 a.m. for warmup and speed training of up to 50 miles. Details: Julio, (562) 988-8117.
Aug. 24
* Cycling for the Adventurous clinic at REI’s Santa Ana store. Bicycle Touring can be as simple as a couple of days on a local trail, or as monumental as an around-the-world adventure. Bicycle touring can be enjoyed by practically anyone, no matter how much or little riding you’ve done in the past. Bicycle touring enthusiast Jan Vincent will discuss types of touring, how to go about planning, what equipment to take and what it costs to make it happen. Clinic starts at 7 p.m. Details: (714) 543-4142.
RUNNING
Saturday
* Huntington Beach Distance Derby 5 Mile and 10 Mile Runs, 46th annual run is the county’s longest-running road race, featuring an oceanfront course. Details: (714) 536-3525.
Sept. 24
* The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a 5K run, will be held at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Race details: (714) 957-9165.
