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2015 Battle of the Paddle Cancelled
MAY 1, 2015 | COMMUNITY
Battle of the Paddle Cancelled
In one of the more disheartening announcements in recent memory, Jay Longley of Rainbow Sandals and Gerry Lopez released a joint press release today announcing the cancellation of one of the most iconic events in the sport's history, the Battle of the Paddle, for 2015.
The Battle had recently moved to Salt Creek from Doheny State Beach after troubles with the California State Parks (Salt Creek is on county land). Rumors had been circulating that this could happen. SUP magazine will have more info as it becomes available. Below is the press release in full:
To the SUP & Paddleboard Community,
After nine amazing Battle of the Paddle events in California and Hawaii we are saddened to announce that the Rainbow Sandals will not be hosting the event for 2015.
The BOP has enjoyed incredible growth since it's inception, however, the economics of producing the event have become overwhelming and unsustainable for Rainbow Sandals, Inc.
Please know that the BOP has been an amazing journey and experience for everyone involved.
We thank all past competitors, sponsors and exhibitors for the tremendous support and participation. In addition, we want to acknowledge all local permitting agencies and safety personnel for allowing us to have such an event and making it safe for everyone to compete.
And lastly, we want to express genuine gratitude to all volunteers and event staff for your generous service and effort making the BOP one of the greatest water sporting events ever.
We sincerely appreciate everyone's love and support in this great endeavor and look forward to seeing you out on the water soon.
Much Aloha
Jay "Sparky" Longley and Gerry Lopez
What a shame.. I often wondered how a small sandle company could sponsor such a huge event.. It came close to not happening last year..
Wouldn't it be great if Rip Curl or Quicksilver or maybe even Red Bull or Coca Cola could step up and sponsor this awesome event..
Fingers crossed that someone comes in and saves the BOP..
Terrible news. Be great if another brand picked up the bill to run and promote it though if Rainbow have lost a tonne of money on it every year for years now it doesn't look to appealing for the next brand to be jumping at the bit to be involved..
Don't want to say it as I'm a huge fan of the event but my opionion is BOP in Cali is dead.
A new event needs to be born in a new location to build as big as The BOP got.
And if that doesn't happen in the next two years does that mean the death of the 12"6 class??? After all BOP style on the waves with lots of buoy turns is really the only reason for a 12"6.
Every other format a 14 or bigger is the better option in my opinion
thats ****, last years BoP location was a dumb one in my irrlevant, humble opinion, that break is no joke.
maybe the world tour might snap it up??
That sucks such an iconic race.maybee the world tour will attract more paddlers like danny travis and co now.
The ultimate sup showdown looked good last year in Hawaii. Good location being a tourist destination to attract sponsors small rolling waves generally. Drop the surfing side make it open to anyone not the invite only list they have. They already have a tv deal that could be the future of the BoP right there.
Other than that Australia needs to step up as we have endless options for surf races around the country. I guess a willing sponsor and dedicated team is the hardest most challenging part though.
One must also salute the fact Rainbow didn't even rename the event after its brand... Something quite uncommon nowadays.
Select to expand quotecolas said...
One must also salute the fact Rainbow didn't even rename the event after its brand... Something quite uncommon nowadays.
I must be missing something as i thought it was called the Rainbow Sandles Battle of the Paddle every year?
Select to expand quoteAndyR said..
Terrible news. Be great if another brand picked up the bill to run and promote it though if Rainbow have lost a tonne of money on it every year for years now it doesn't look to appealing for the next brand to be jumping at the bit to be involved..
Don't want to say it as I'm a huge fan of the event but my opionion is BOP in Cali is dead.
A new event needs to be born in a new location to build as big as The BOP got.
And if that doesn't happen in the next two years does that mean the death of the 12"6 class??? After all BOP style on the waves with lots of buoy turns is really the only reason for a 12"6.
Every other format a 14 or bigger is the better option in my opinion
every paddler worth their salt trains on a 12'6. by far the best board for the best training results
I understand what you mean as a training method a smaller board will give you more gains on a bigger board come race day. but if there is no longer an elite level race at the pinnicle of the sport like bop is there a demand for the brands to keep making them? That's
The only question I'm asking.
Select to expand quotehusq2100 said..
I must be missing something as i thought it was called the Rainbow Sandles Battle of the Paddle every year?
I mean, they didn't just call it "The rainbow Sandal Pro" as is customary nowadays.
Select to expand quotecolas said..husq2100 said..
I must be missing something as i thought it was called the Rainbow Sandles Battle of the Paddle every year?
I mean, they didn't just call it "The rainbow Sandal Pro" as is customary nowadays.
splitting hairs.. same same if you ask me
