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Paddleboarding to be incorporated into Baja Travesia

23.01.2008

Perhaps the most exciting news to come to expedition racing in some time, the introduction of a new ocean sport. This March, the SOLE Baja Travesia will introduce Paddle boarding to the wildest expedition race in North America.

Race Co-Director Karen Lundgren says "while trying to make the SOLE Baja Travesia the most diverse event on the circuit, we are super excited to present another unique challenge to the athletes who will show up at the start line in San Felipe."

While new to the sport of AR, paddle boarding is likely the farthest thing from a new sport. Paddleboards have been used for hundreds of years by both the early Hawaiians and the ancient Polynesians to transport people and supplies from one island to the next.

Today, the sport is taking off in popularity in California and around the World. The competitive circuit has created a ground buzz up and down the coast. “It’s just a really cool sport that is simple, inexpensive, safe, physically demanding and a great complement to the water sports already included in multisport/adventure racing,” says Paul Romero, race Co-Director. "Paddle boarding and stand-up paddling can be enjoyed by novices on lakes, flat-river and ocean and we're confident this event will become a staple in expedition racing.”

This 'new sport' complements an already exciting line-up of disciplines and course design for this third annual traverse of the diverse Baja peninsula. In 08 the ocean kayaking will be tamed down from the wild course of 2007. Canyoneering will once again be a highlight as racers explore some of the largest canyons in the world visiting some five eco systems is a single section of the course. The mountain biking sections will not disappoint as the course covers both alpine and lowland deserts through a number of remote ranches and small villages.

Once again, the infamous Baja car rally will continue to challenge teams as they navigate and direct their driver through the wide-open deserts that have made Baja racing famous. And don’t forget the addition of our newly formed Women’s division giving Women a chance to race for cash and prizes of their own.

Watch the website, www.bajatravesia.com for details of the paddle boarding section & our new partnership with Joe Bark paddleboards.

Baja Travesia takes place March 22-29 2008, and is part of the ARWS circuit, www.arworldseries.com.