Make a trip to the Northwest for back-to-back paddling events in September 2012: Round the Rock in Seattle on September 9, then head south to Portland for Paddle 4 Cancer on September 15th.

Portland's Waterfront Park

Endurance Race Results

Elite Class Women’s (12’6″ Class)
- 1st Kerry Stuart 1:41:39
- 2nd Elizabeth Shloka 1:46:40
- 3rd Victoria Hopkins 1:49:18

Elite Men (12’6″)
- 1st Doug Hopkins 1:34:35
- 2nd John Shloka 1:53:00
- 3rd Dustin Fletcher 2:07:30

Elite Men (14′ Class)
- 1st Sarial  Burguiene 1:27:35
- 2nd Matt Spencer 1:28:05
- 3rd Rod Parmenter 1:29:00

Women’s Recreation Class (12’6 class)
- 1st Sofia Dewolfe 1:57:19
- 2nd Alison Fromm 2:01:34
- 3rd Stacey  Casselberry 2:04:00

Men’s Recreation Class (12’6)
- 1st Jeff Castleberry 1:51:30
- 2nd Karl Gustafson 2:29:00

Recreation Class (14′)
- 1st Ben Browdner 1:34:36

Course Race Elite Men’s 12’6″

1. Cyril Burguiene 1:00:53
2. Paul Willerton 1:05:02
3. Jon Davies 1:05:05

Course Race Elite Men’s 14′

1. TJ Gulizia 1:03:02
2. Dino Andereggen 1:11:18
3. Rafael Kolic 1:19:48

Course Race Elite Women

1. Kerri Stewart 1:12:54
2. Maria Randle 1:17:28
3. Victoria Hopkins 1:17:31

Course Race Recreational Men

1. Ben Grodner 1:06:48

Course Race Recreational Women

1. Alyson Fromm 1:18:31
2. Fiona Wylde 1:23:25
3. Sofia Dewolfe 1:23:52

Team Relay Race

1. BNG Team 13:13.195
2. Big Winds Team #1, 13:33.085
3. Big Winds Team #2, 14:23.835

Kids 8-12 Race

1. Jon Michael Harmon
2. Wyatt Foley
3. Mateo Maciel

Full Contact SUP Contest

1. Nicholas Curry
2. Aaron Sales
3. Jon Michael Harmon

Images by Richard Hallman, FreelanceImaging.com, Jennifer Reinhardt

There has been an update to the SUP classes…

The classes are, for the SUP Endurance Race:

• 12’6″ and under – ELITE Men
• 12’6″ and under – ELITE Women
• 12’6″ and under – RECREATIONAL Men
• 12’6″ and under – RECREATIONAL Women
• 14′ and under – ELITE Men
• 14′ and under – ELITE Women
• 14′ and under – RECREATIONAL Men
• 14′ and under – RECREATIONAL Women

You can buy SUP 4 Cancer Raffle tickets right here.

We have an amazing list of items on the SUP Raffle including….

Starboard 14’8″ Point SUP Board - Value $2700

Here’s a description of Starboard’s Point Board:

• The 14’8″ Point is developed by renowned designer Mark Raaphorst for performance ocean paddling.
• The Point has proven to be a favorite, especially designed for Downwind paddling.
• The state of the art scooped out deck which feeds into a double concave deck massively increases the balance at the same time as it makes the board more rigid for extra speed.
• The sleek 14’8″ has enough nose rocker to work very well even in large ocean swell and is especially targeting downwind paddling.
• The 14kg/m3 light density EPS foam is laminated with 160 grams Carbon epoxy matrix covered by a 0.6 mm thin layer of unidirectional Australian pine wood.
• The optional steering system allows one to paddle effortlessly with side wind and eliminates paddle strokes for direction correction.

Naish Carbon/Kevlar SUP Paddle - Value $379

Kole Gear Pressurized Hydration Waterpack - Value $89

Raffle takes place around 3:30 pm on Saturday, July 9th,  immediately after the Team Relay Awards at the SUP 4 Cancer event at Hood River’s Waterfront Park. But… the best part is that you do not need to be present to win!!

If you are not present to win, you must pay for any shipping of winning items including boards or paddles.

Buy your SUP 4 Cancer Raffle Tickets here.

We got to know the people at SUPLOVE at Battle of the Paddle in Hawaii while promoting Athletes for Cancer during the event. SUPLOVE put on a fundraiser at the Moana Surfrider on Saturday night for our event partner the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. They are wonderful, generous people, and truly believe in the impact of our survivorship program.

Not only do they support great causes like ours, but they connect with the everyday rider just learning or progressing or trying something new.   They are all about SUP for everyone, not just the elite riders or the pros. Her’s Stuart from SUPLove showing off the John Wayne SUP Board auctioned off at the SUP Love – Team Duke fundraiser in Waikiki.

How to Fundraise 101

This can be difficult for some, but when it’s for a program has impact that people can see,  you’ll find that many people will support your efforts.  100% of the funds raised through your efforts benefit this program.  If you don’t know how to reach out and ask people to help you fundraise, that’s ok! Here are some tools…

1. A video showcasing what the funds benefit: Our Survivorship Program.

2. A breakdown of what any donation amount can pay for at survivorship camp.

Participants in the first Athletes for Cancer / Team Duke Surf & SUP Survivorship Camp paddled their surfboards and SUP boards into a surfer’s circle outside the break zone in calm waters on Maui’s southshore. The incoming swell rolled in, gently lifting the group, connected by paddles and hands stretched across each other’s boards. The circle kicked off the beginning of their coast run, a 3.2 mile journey through flatwater, reef, and waves that completes their 5-day intensive introduction to surfing and standup paddling.

The nine participants ranged in ages from 21-40, having battled cancers with names that are too painful to pronounce: Medulloblastoma, Retnoblastoma, and Papillary Thyroid Carcenoma. All combined, they survived 24 surgeries. On this day they were paddling into waves as if their lives depended on it.

Athletes for Cancer kicked off its Survivorship Program in Maui last week with the first ever Surf & SUP Camp for young adult cancer survivors. With the generous support of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Athletes for Cancer launched the camps as a channel to foster self-confidence and strengthen survivorship for young adults as they face life after cancer.

Athletes for Cancer designed the camp to present cancer survivors with challenges that each individual chooses to embrace with support and motivation from staff and their peers. Experienced instructors from Action Sports Maui provided athlete survivors with a solid foundation of surf and ocean safety fundamentals with daily focal points and exercises, but also allowed them the freedom to explore and learn on their own.

Day 1

The atmosphere on day 1 of camp was one of intimidation and awkwardness. The skies were gray, as were the faces of our athlete survivors as they stood on the beach staring at the longboards at their feet. Unsure of the ocean, their confidence, and personal limits, survivors took small, hesitant steps as they attempted to simply lay or sit on a board in the water for the first time. Standing on a surfboard or a SUP board was an achievement on the first day. Despite the cautious aura, some started paddling into waves.

Day 2

Day 2 started with a unique and special experience to further get comfortable in the ocean, but also to work together in a team setting — Outrigger canoeing on the Northshore of Maui.  The local paddlers at Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park were our expert guides. As the early morning light graced the colorful hulls of the canoes awaiting us, local keiki performing a traditional ceremony and songs. Our entire group stood speechless and in awe of the incredible setting.

Apparently this was not an ideal morning for canoeing according to our guides — the wind was strong and waves were building. Despite slight apprehension from some, everyone was willing to give it a go! This was an incredible step in facing our fears — even staff were anxious! After a brief paddling and safety talk, we broke into teams of six and pushed the canoes in the water.  We paddled in unison, following our lead paddler with alternating strokes. Each boat caught small waves. The experience was amazing and everyone made it back to the beach!

Day 3

On day three, the atmosphere changed dramatically with clear sunny skies and an eagerness to get into the water. We started the day with a yoga warm-up and stretch on the beach, then a fun surf session for all. Instructors and athlete survivors did tandem rides, paddle-assisted solo rides, and even some yoga moves on the boards. The objective for the day was simply to spend casual fun time in the water without too much instruction.

Day 4

On day four, an attitude and behavioral shift was very evident! That intimidation and fear from day one had started to fade, giving way to confidence and enthusiasm. Action Sports Maui introduced timing, positioning and turning techniques for surfing and standup paddling. Survivors did a short SUP run down and around a buoy for their first distance paddle. The day finished off with more surfing, with a focus on turning on the wave. Here, one of our participants, Rocky, paddles into a wave and starts her turns!

Day 5 – Achievement Day

The idea of paddling 3.2 miles in the ocean does not immediately bring comfort to any paddler. Some of the athlete survivors are excited, and others anxious. As we paddle out and form into our surfer’s circle, athletes are reminded that they survived cancer. Their journey with the ocean this week is about embracing challenge, transcending fear, and achieving growth and harmony along the way.  And most of all, to enjoy the ride! Survivors and staff paddled the 3.2 miles, escorted by sea turtles and riding waves along the way. Everyone finished at Kalama Park with smiles and celebration! Watching the transformation from fear and hesitance on day 1 to confidence and empowerment on the last day was astounding.

Why we chose Hawaii

Athletes for Cancer chose Maui for its first Surf & SUP camp for its comforting warm waters and varied beginner terrain – the perfect setting for beginners facing fears of the ocean and learning to surf. The waters of Hawaii also offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits for survivors, as affirmed by one of the athlete survivors:

“My wrist and ankle joints were affected badly from the chemo – They stiffen up in cold water limiting my movement and making range of motion impossible. I could not have attended this camp in the cold waters of Washington, California or Oregon!”

A word from a survivor

“I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing week. The opportunity of a lifetime that completely transformed my outlook. I had an interview today for an internship and sitting there it hit me how much Athletes for Cancer and the Maui camp changed my life. I was able to tell them about the amazing experience and how excited I was to be able to help people as well.”

Next Camps

Athletes for Cancer is hosting its second Team Duke Survivorship Camp in Hood River Oregon August 17-23. We also added another Surf & SUP Camp in Maui October 20-26. Survivors can apply on our website www.athletes4cancer.org or directly athttp://athletes4cancer.wufoo.com/forms/athletes-for-cancer-surf-sup-kiteboarding-camps/.

Tenacity Games

Athletes for Cancer hosts its annual fundraiser July 8-10, 2011 with Kiteboarding 4 Cancer and SUP 4 Cancer presented by Team Duke! Additional events include Skate 4 Cancer and Kayak 4 Cancer. This annual weekend of adventure raises money for Athletes for Cancer survivorship camps and our partner cancer programs including the Pacific Cancer Foundation, The Next Door Inc. and Children’s Hospital Seattle. For more information, go to our website www.athletes4cancer.org .

Athletes for Cancer would like to thank the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and Team Dukefor their ongoing inspiration, support, and enthusiasm in helping make the Athletes for Cancer Team Duke camps a reality.

A HUGE thank you to everyone else who made this camp possible, adding so much to the campers’ experience…

Our photographers Tobin Daily, Suzie Dorn from Action Sports, and Peter McGowan! The Pacific Cancer Foundation and Paddle for Life , Lae ‘Ula O Kai , Action Sports Maui, Naish SUP & Naish Pro Center, Jimmy Lewis, Hui O Wa’a Kaulua and the beautiful tour of Mo’okiha O Pi’ilani, Buff Headwear, VANS, Maui Waveriders, Suzie Trains Maui, Hawaiian Airlines and Oregon Screen Impressions.

I’ve received a couple questions about the course and general conditions in July for the race. The exact course will be finalized by Dan and Nikki in May, but we can tell you that this is a 9-mile point A to point B race, with some buoys to mix it up in between.

Current

The endurance race runs on the Columbia River, which is dammed up and down the river. The dams have made the river more of a lake with a moderate current. The river current runs from east to west (toward the ocean), but the race course runs 9 miles from west to east, so yes, up-current. The river is very wide, however, with eddys and micro-currents.

Wind

Then there is the wind factor. In July, it is either windy or it’s not. There is not really any in-between. When it’s windy, the wind blows from west to east, against the current. The wind practically cancels out the current because our winds are typically in the 20+ mph range, with significantly-sized swell. With the wind, the river can quickly turn into an ocean with rolling swell, and short distances (8-20 feet) between the swell. Many paddlers LOVE this as they catch and ride the swell straight downwind.

When it’s not windy, it’s flat and there is current. No whitewater here, but it definitely makes for a strategic paddle. Serious paddlers will choose their board depending on the conditions the day-of. If you choose to ride the swell, you’ll definitely want to paddle a different board. But if you choose to hug the shoreline for the race, you won’t run into the swell that you get in the center channel of the river.

Obstacles

Between Viento State Park (the start) and Well’s Island (just west of the finish) there is an underwater petrified forest blanketed with hundreds of tree trunks. Depending on the water level, it can either be completely visible on the water’s surface, or inches below and invisible in windy conditions. Keep your eye out!

Click on the Google Earth Image above for a full-size version of the course.

Athletes 4 Cancer & SUP 4 Cancer announces camps for young adult cancer survivors — ages 18-40. Donor funds from our 2010 fundraiser will fuel these camps, designed to empower young adults to face new challenges, overcome fears and obstacles, and embrace life after cancer so they can get to living!!  Interested in getting involved in these camps as a volunteer or would you like to attend? Sweet! Read on…

Our first round of camps is set on the beautiful island of  Maui, Hawaii in April:

Surf & SUP: April 8-14

If you are a cancer survivor and looking for the adventure and thrill of a lifetime, these camps are for you.  It is important to know that surfing, standup paddling, and kiteboarding are water-intense action sports with frequent impact on the water. Safety is our top priority. A sense of adventure but good common sense is required.

Food, accommodations, transportation, and camp instruction is all included in the camp. You only need to cover the airfare to get to camp.  The John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the many athletes and donors have made these camps possible. For more info on camps, email Athletes 4 Cancer director, Tonia Farman: tfarman(at) gmail.com.

All cancer survivors looking to attend must fill out an app here.  All applicants must also have their doctor complete and submit this medical form prior to acceptance into the camp.

• Endurance
• Strength
• Fun

We base the exact format of the race on our purpose of the event:

To take on a unique challenge and endure to the point of exhaustion, testing both mental and physical tenacity, embodying the struggle someone going through cancer faces every day.

If you can take that on, you will LOVE this event.