The 23rd annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge kicked off early Saturday morning, as San Diego locals and out of towners alike swarmed into Bonita Cove. The event is one of the Longest Running Paddlesport Races in California offering access to all paddle crafts including OC-1 & 2, Surfski, Traditional Paddleboard, Standup Paddleboard and Kayak. All were in high spirits as more people arrived, filling the beach with tents, boards, and good vibes.

Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club and Huki Outrigger/Surfski bring you the 23st Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge Presented by Paddle Planet to be held in Mission Bay, San Diego, on January 27, 2018.

After almost 25 years in the surf, SUP and paddle industry West Coast Paddle Sports owner Bob Long is going to retire and is putting the shop up for sale, and is ready to pass the reigns on to the next generation of paddlers to mind the shop.

After weeks of wet and stormy weather in San Diego, California, Saturday morning was greeted with sunshine and perfect conditions to hold the 21st annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge. As usual, the event was filled with excitement and anticipation to kick off the 2017 race season.

Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club and Huki Outrigger/Surfski bring you the 21st Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge Presented by Paddle Planet and Dirty Birds to be held in Mission Bay, San Diego,Ca. on January 28, 2017.

While in town for the biggest week in SUP in North America Zane Schweitzer, his brother Matty, and the entire Starboard crew gathered at Mission Bay in San Diego, California and later in Dana Point for the Pacific Paddle Games. The week was filled with hydrofoil demonstrations, SUP racing, SUP surfing, beautiful sunsets, and of course nothing but pure fun in and on the water.

Once again, Mission Bay in San Diego hosted the 20th Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge and the event did not disappoint. With gloomy skies for the majority of the day, the attitudes and demeanors of the athletes and spectators were anything but. Every direction you looked you saw smiles and heard laughter and cheers. The Hanohano is notorious for being a classic event with nothing but fun on offer and this year it once again lived up to that reputation.

Hanohano Outrigger Canoe Club and Huki Outrigger/Surfski present the 20th Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge to be held in Mission Bay, San Diego, California on January 23rd, 2016. The Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge, a WPA sanctioned points race and flagship event for the SoCal Winter Racing Series, is one of the Longest Running Paddlesport Races in California offering access to all paddle crafts including OC-1 & 2, Surfski, Traditional Paddleboard, Standup Paddleboard and Kayak.

Where did you travel this year? Was it tropical? Was it on the coast or to a lake? With stand up paddling (SUP) the options are endless as you can take your paddle board on practically any body of water.

Former San Diego Chargers team member Drew Brees, now the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, held an offseason training session this week with a group of his NO Saints teammates that included stand up paddle boarding. Brees, calls San Diego home part time and held this training session to help his teammates prepare for the upcoming season.

Over the weekend the 19th Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge took place with the largest crowds we've seen to-date.

A problem beginning in 2013 in the parks and grassy areas of Mission Beach's Bonita Cove Park of razor blades being found scattered throughout the area has once again hit locals with caution.