Ryan Helm has taken out the Rincon Beachboy SUP race in Puerto Rico for the second year running today, as over 300 paddlers hit the water for a record-breaking 6th annual event.
Ryan finished the 8 mile (12.8km) elite course in just under 1 hour and 10 minutes, crossing the line 30 seconds ahead of rising Californian dark horse, Sean Pangelinan. Mexico's Javier Jimenez (or "Bicho"), who trains with Ryan (and Fernando Stalla) down in Sayulita, showed his fighting spirit to steal third overall on his 12'6, while "local guy" Bill Kraft finished 4th overall to take one for the islands.
Over in the women's race it was Ryan's Riviera teammate, Helga Goebel, proving too strong, beating not only all of the women but almost two-thirds of the men as well.
The Beachboy race really seems to be one of those events that has a feel-good, laid-back vibe and a very loyal following. Apart from the fact it's been going forever (for some perspective: the inaugural Beachboy event, way back in 2009, was held just months after the first ever Battle of the Paddle), the race is in a pretty kickass location (the world famous Rincon, Puerto Rico) and does a good job of promoting good causes (all the proceeds go to charity).
The 2014 Rincon Beachboy set a new record with a massive 310 competitors (from as young as 4 right up to 72 years old) descending on Puerto Rico's west coast for the race. The event also helped raise over $6,000 for charity, while the top guys and girls got to share in $16,000 cash prize money (which I hear was paid out on the spot). This race has flown under the radar a little bit in the past, but it sounds like a massive, well organised event so I'm sure it'll attract a stellar crowd next year. Could this be the Caribbean's answer to the Carolina Cup?