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. 

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