Stand-up paddleboard veteran Dialy Ndiaye took advantage of being the only entrant in the SUP unlimited division to finish first overall in the Hennessey Return to the Pier Paddleboard race. The 3.5 mile in-and-out course went from the end of the Hermosa Beach pier to the end of the Manhattan Beach pier, and back.
Race director Tim Ritter moved the annual Memorial Day Weekend race from its traditional Friday evening to Monday morning in the hopes of more favorable water conditions.
Last year’s Return to the Pier had to be cancelled because of big surf and strong winds. During the preceding three years conditions were so rough that some paddlers couldn’t get to the starting line, at the end of the Hermosa Beach pier.
This year there was, once again, a sizeable swell, but still air and smooth water made for a fast and fun race. Ndiaye finished in 37:40, for an average speed of nearly 6 miles per hour. The race’s youngest paddler, Ethan Igloi, 11 of Manhattan Beach, paced his uncle and veteran paddler Mike Igloi to a time of under one hour time.
The downside to the date change, Ritter said, was it hurt turnout. Only 50 paddlers participated in Monday’s race, about half the number of previous years.
Following are the top three finishers in each division. Unlimited prone: Max First, Canon Smitz, Scott Rusher. Unlimited SUP: Dialy Ndiaye. Prone stock: Tim Burdick. SUP stock: Grant Curry, Justin Wiles, Chris Collins. SUP 14-foot: Brennan Rosa, Brian Murphy, Grant Bantz. 50+ (all boards): Paul Rodolf, Jay Butke, Kevin Cody. SUP wahines: Tamara Lentz, Michelle Gierst, Jenny Ramos.
Following is a list of upcoming paddleboard races.
Hobie/Hennessey’s U.S. Championships, Saturday June 1
The Hobie/Hennessey’s U.S. Championships is a World Paddle Association event, with a fun course (3 miles) and a pro course (between 7 and 9 miles, depending on board size) in DanaPoint. (www.hennesseyspaddleboarding.com).
Riviera Mexican Grill R-10 Race, Saturday June 1
The Riviera Mexican Grill R-10 race is an in and out race from TorranceBeach to the R-10 buoy off Rocky Point. 8 a.m. Registration is $45 and begins at 6:30 a.m. The event is open to paddleboards, SUPs, and surfboards (boards under 10-foot-6). There are shorter courses for kids and recreational paddlers, too.
Rock2Rock, Sunday, June 16
The Father’s Day Rock2Rock, begins at the Catalina Isthmus and ends at CabrilloBeach. The 22.17 mile down-winder is open to both individual competitors and relay teams. Rock2Rock is a qualifier for the Catalina Classic in August. (Rock2RockRace.com).
