We are stoked to announce the second annual Inspiration Point Downwind Race! This event will be held on Lake Michigan with a single weekend holding period to allow for perfect conditions. Lake Michigan offers some of the best down winding in the world, yet it is one of the most unknown and underrated locations! Join us this October on the forgotten coast.

This will be a weekend long event held in Frankfort, MI. We have several different downwind routes mapped out between Arcadia and Empire to accommodate any possible wind direction. Additionally, there will be a few group paddles and hikes planned. With a weekend long holding period, and multiple routes to choose from, we should have optimal conditions come race day. You won't want to miss this event, so keep your schedule open!

This past year the race was by invitation only, in 2022 we are opening registration! However, this will come with a vetting process (more information below). If you are entering this race, we need to know that you are capable of paddling in the conditions Lake Michigan can offer. Ideally, we will be looking for 20+ Knot winds and 6+ foot waves. Depending on the wind direction, and the route that is chosen, this race will be between 10 and 14 miles, so please take this into consideration.

We would be honored to have you join us as we build this race into a nationwide event!

This event is being held in honor of our military, first responders, and their families. We are losing over 22 of our heroes to suicide every single day.

Race Information

• Weekend long holding period (October 8^th & 9^th)
• Beach start and finish
• Lake Michigan can be very heavy, this race is for competent watermen and women only. Please refer to the “Qualification and Vetting Process” paragraph below prior to signing up.
• Depending on the wind direction, and the route that is chosen, this race will be between 10 and 14 miles. We have several different downwind routes mapped out between Arcadia and Empire to accommodate any possible wind direction.
• This race is first and foremost a downwind race. However, in the rare situation that conditions don’t line up, we will hold a slalom M-course race.
• Stand up Paddlers: Knee paddling is allowed due to the nature of this event. However, we only recommend doing so in moderation. Some examples of when kneeling may be conducive include: Going through the surf break, resting, hydrating & refueling etc…

Equipment Requirements (all of which are required and enforced):

• Leash: 7mm minimum attached to ankle. Waist leash only if a separate belt is used (around life preserver is not allowed)
• PFD
• Wetsuit (full requirement will be decided hinging on weather conditions)

Divisions (Men's and Women's): 

• SUP 14' and under
• SUP Unlimited
• Prone
• SUP Paddle Foil
• Wing Foil
• OC1
• SurfSki

Awards will be given for the the top three finishers in each category that has 5 or more participants. 

Qualification and vetting process for Race Participants: (Please read prior to signing up)

Lake Michigan can be very heavy, this race is for competent watermen and women only. The race committee asks that you only apply if you can meet the minimum race time criteria and have ample race history to evaluate your ability to complete an open water paddle of this magnitude safely. If you have evidence, please attach it to your application. There will be space to provide your race history. Please do not be brief. The race committee has the right to question or deny entries to past-finishers and first-time applicants.

At very minimum all athletes must be able to show that they can proficiently paddle on open water, and have downwind acumen. Lake Michigan offers some of the best down winding in the world, and the safety of all of our participants is paramount.  When applying for the Inspiration Point Downwind Race please follow the steps written out below.

For those of you who don't have enough race history / evidence to qualify, we will have several qualifying events through the summer. We will have more details on these events soon. Please fill out the application form and we will make sure to inform you of the qualifying events with plenty of notice.  If you have any questions – please contact Info@4THE22.Life

Steps for Qualification: 

1.   Click "Register Here" at the top of the page

2.  Click "Add Entry" for the "Qualification and Vetting Application..."  (Second entry on the page)

3.  Select your Age, Gender, and Category 

4.  Fill out the "Evidence and Race History" section. Please do not be brief. This information goes to the race committee for approval. For those of you who don't have enough race history / evidence to qualify, we will have several qualifying events through the summer. We will have more details on these events soon. Please fill out the application form and we will make sure to inform you of the qualifying events with plenty of notice.

5.  Choose a shirt size (reference only, race jerseys are only provided for those who get approved and sign up for the race) 

6.  Fill in your address

7.  Choose any additional items you would like to add.

8.  Read and sign the waiver. 

9.  Enter credit card information and submit payment. This fee is nonrefundable; however, it will go towards your race fee if approved. Please wait to sign up for the race until you receive an approval letter from the 4THE22 committee. The email will include a $20.91 discount code to cover your application fee.

PRE REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY FOR ALL PADDLERS! REGISTRATION CLOSES ON THE 18^TH OF SEPTEMBER AT 11:45PM



About 4THE22:
We strive to help those around us find balance and purpose through the therapeutic activities of standup paddling, surfing, and exercise. We cultivate community and camaraderie through all of our activities, to help our veterans transition smoothly into civilian life and to allow both veterans and first responders to to look beyond their challenges and achieve their full potential.

4THE22 is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization, that works to not only raise awareness of veteran and first responder suicide rates, but more importantly to provide solutions.