Longer course, faster times in 2011 Rock to Rock Paddleboard Race [PHOTOS]

The course for the 2011 Rock to Rock Paddleboard race was a mile longer than in previous years, but the times were faster and the competitors  happier.  Traditionally, the decade old Father’s Day race has been a straight shot from Two Harbors on Catalina Island to Palos Verdes. But that meant taking west winds and west swells on the beam. The new, more easterly course, ending at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, allowed the paddlers to ride the west wind and west swells to the finish line. All photos by Doogie Bensch (BoBridges.com)

Not surprisingly, this year’s race was won by a stand-up paddler, Palos Verdes native Jared Vargas. The second place overall finisher was stand-up paddler Tom Gallagher. Los Angeles County Lifeguard Anthony Vela. Race Director George Loren finished second in the paddleboard division.