Prone Racing continues to grow in Newport Beach! The 3rd annual 2025 El Morro Classic is a 15-mile
“Hands Only” Prone Paddle race in Newport Beach. The course is an out-and-back that starts at the
Newport Aquatic Center, threads its way roughly 4 miles through and out of beautiful Newport Harbor,
takes a left-hand turn leaving the harbor and entering the open ocean, takes a roughly 4-mile straight
shot past the scenic Corona del Mar Coast and Crystal Cove Beaches to the point at El Morro, at which
point padders will turn around and retrace their steps back to the Newport Aquatic Center.

***This race is a Catalina Classic Qualifier for 2025!!

***This race is a Ben Did Go Qualifier for 2025!!

Whether you are training for the Catalina Classic in late August, the Molokai to Oahu World
Championships in July, the Ben Carlson in mid-September, or you just want to test your prone paddling
abilities in a challenging and scenic course in the heart of the California summer, this is your race. Race
divisions include Men’s Stock, 14’, and Unlimited, and Women’s Open Prone Division.
This race is meant to be a fun and challenging course for all those that enter, and would not be possible
without the help of the Newport Aquatic Center.

Eligibility:
The El Morro Classic is open to all men and women 18 years of age and older. Paddlers 17 years of age and under must have a signed parent/guardian release form.

 
Safety:
The El Morro Classic is a 15-mile paddleboard race.  Each paddler is responsible for supplying themselves with enough fluids and nutrition to complete the 2.5-4.5 hour course in a safe manner. The El Morro Classic will have safety boats to aid if an athlete needs emergency assistance. Looking forward to another great day on the water!