2019 Great Lakes SUP Challenge

June 29, 2019

West Michigan, specifically the Grand Haven/Holland area, is one of the origins of Stand-Up Paddling on the Great Lakes. After many amazing SUP events in the early days, we have had several years without a race to bring the community together...the time has come to bring a new event back to West Michigan! 

On June 29th,  join us on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan for the first Great Lakes SUP Challenge.  The 6-mile race, 3-mile race, kids race, and a 1.5 mile “fun paddle” offers something for everyone.  Even if you’re not into racing, you can come to the beach, enjoy the water, listen to some music, and hang out with a great group of stoked paddlers!

The races below will be on Lake Michigan...big water.  Paddling on the "big lake" presents many possible challenges (waves, wind, current, temperature, and a constantly changing combination of all of them) and that's where we get our name.  Are you up for the challenge?!?! 

Event Overview:

6-Mile

• Beach Start
• North/South course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan
• 2 laps
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• Men's and Women's SUP divisions
  • Unlimited (over 14')
  • 14'
  • 12'6"
  • Surf Style (12'2" and under)

3-Mile

• Beach Start
• North/South course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan
• 1 lap
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• Men's and Women's SUP divisions
  • 14'
  • 12'6"
  • Surf Style (12'2" and under)
  • Inflatable (no size restrictions)
• Youth (boys and girls 13-17) SUP Division
  • no board restrictions
  • can choose to race in Men/Woman division instead if desired

1.5-Mile "fun paddle"

• Beach Start
• North/South course along the shoreline of Lake Michigan
• 1/2 lap
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• no divisions, no board restrictions, and no pressure
• all the fun and all of the swag, without the competitive nature of a race

Free Kids Race

• Beach Start
• Course and length TBD based on conditions and participants
• Leash and PFD required and enforced
• No board restrictions

Bonus Exhibition Event - Free Technical Race

Although not officially part of the Great Lakes SUP Challenge for various reasons, we are working to add an afternoon technical race that will be open to all that want to be challenged.  The short (2 miles give or take) sprint course will consist of multiple buoy turns and will be in and out of the surf zone in an "M" design.  If there is enough interest, this will be fully incorporated into the event next year.  Although you can sign up the day of the race for this free event, if you think you might be interested, sign up during registration so that we can get an idea of numbers.  Note:  if registering for the free technical race only, race goodies (shirt, swag bag, raffle ticket, food) will not be included.

More info to come on this as race day approaches!

Charity Partner

We are happy to be supporting Alliance for the Great Lakes this year.  This 4-star rated 501(c)(3) organization is committed to the water we love...their vision: "to protect and restore the Great Lakes for people and wildlife, forever". Check out greatlakes.org for more information.

Please join us in helping to support this organization by including a donation during the registration process! 

Where To Stay & Other Things To Do

Kirk Park is conveniently located 12 miles north of Holland along the shores of Lake Michigan.  If you're looking for a place to stay, check out holland.org for a complete list of hotel options in the area.  In addition to places to stay, they have a ton of information on other things to do while in town...check it out!

Instagram:  @greatlakessupchallenge

Extreme Weather Cancellation Policy:
Athlete safety is of upmost importance to the Great Lakes SUP Challenge.  We will do everything we can to put on a safe and fun event, but we do take the conditions on Lake Michigan very seriously.  In the event of extreme weather (wind, waves, lightning, etc.), the race director may make the hard decision to delay or cancel all or part of the event.  In the unfortunate situation of a last minute race cancellation, there will be no refunds.  Athletes are still encouraged to pick up swag bags, event shirts, and participate in the raffle and other events such as the after party.  If cancellation is necessary, announcements will be made as soon as decisions are made and will be communicated over the PA system, as well as the event Facebook page.