Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Sunny skies, salty surf and the thrill of competition is coming to Puerto Vallarta January 26 & 27, with SUP races open to age 12 and older.

Paddle boarding is a gentle way to meander about on the water and take in the city and mountain views, but not this time. Get ready for adventure, speed and an iron will to compete in your choice of 3 different races, the Technical Race, the Relay Race or the Garza Blanca Challenge!

The Itinerary
On Saturday, January 26th, you are invited to a day of preparation to get your muscles ready and brush up on your board skills. Garza Blanca is offering a yoga class from 8 to 10 am to get your body in top form for the upcoming races! This is followed by a paddle-board clinic from 10 am to 1 pm to hone your technique and connect with your board on what may be unfamiliar waters for some. Or you can just have fun!

The races begin at 8 am on January 27th. The Technical Race is from 8 am to 10 am, followed by the Relay Race from 10 to 12 Noon and last the Garza Blanca Challenge from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

The Technical Race
This race is great for athletic beginners or those warming up for the Garza Blanca Challenge! There will be a series of buoys marking a circuit course that will consist of three laps creating a total distance of 2.5 kilometers. Each athlete will go around the buoys one lap, exit the water, follow a guided run, enter and complete the second lap and so on.

The Relay Race
You will form a team of four people with two men and two women, so grab your favorite adventure couple and hit the waters! e sure they have legs for land and sea as each person will be required to paddle 500 meters and run 10 meters before passing the baton to their partner. The race is not complete until all four members of the team have completed their course and passed the baton.

The Garza Blanca Challenge
This is not for the faint of heart, but if you love a challenge mixed with a whole lot of sweat and fun, then this race is for you. e prepared to explode with agility and endurance in this Quad-athlon as each contestant must run 100 meters through a gauntlet of obstacles along the beach, then swim 100 meters to their board, swim with their board another 100 meters to their oar and finish with 1,000 meter paddle-board circuit!

Awards
If bragging rights are not enough, you can enjoy one of the great rewards announcing your accomplishment. All participants in the Junior races for ages 12-15 years will receive a Certificate of Participation, and the 1st place winners will go home with a trophy.

All other races will offer trophies to contestants who take first place and gift bags to all female and all male first, second and third place winners.

Are you ready to channel your inner athlete and compete for the trophy? If not, don’t worry. You can sign up for the fun of it too!