Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Jay Race kicks my butt

  

Lack of proper training? Check.
Fondness of beer and other adult beverages? Check.
Questionable diet, 20 pounds overweight? Check, check.

Ok then, how about a 12 mile paddleboard race against a pack of fit surfer/athletes? Okay.

Such are my circumstances... but I'd completed the 'Jay' twice before and despite my mediocre result on Saturday—49th of about 90 competitors—I'm always stoked to cross the finish line, feel exhausted, and ache all over. The Surftech Jay Moriarity Memorial is not just a race; it's a celebration of an amazing young waterman who left the lineup too soon, but left behind a legacy of enthusiasm, fitness, and stoke. He charged Mavericks as a 16 year old and survived horrendous wipeouts. He paddled from Santa Cruz to Monterey, 26 long miles over deep, deep water. And he inspired everyone who knew him by being in the ocean all the time, and being stoked all the time. The mantra of the race is an inspiration to all of us who love the Ocean: Live Like Jay.

  

Monday, June 8, 2009

The Jay Race, the Jay LIFE


Jay Moriarity was a gifted young Santa Cruz surfer and waterman on his way to legend status in his early twenties, when he tragically passed away in a diving accident. This Saturday is the 8th annual 'Jay Race' ... a 12 mile paddleboard race that honors Jay, and draws competitors from as far away as Australia. 

For me—and for many of the racers, I suspect—it's not about winning, but rather it's about remembering Jay (if you were lucky enough to know him) or about embracing the Jay spirit. That is... sharing the stoke, sharing some waves, and above all, loving being in the Ocean. The spectating is not great, but the scene is good overall. From New Brighton Beach you get to see the start of the race (8:30am) and a little under two hours later see the fastest paddlers return to the same beach. And about 40 minutes after that, I hope to be crossing the line. I also hope there will be cold Pacificos.