THE TAHOE CUP - LAKE CROSSING 

WHERE: Lake Tahoe Watermans Landing

WHEN: September 15,16, 17 2023 -  THREE-DAY WEATHER WINDOW FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

DISTANCES: 22 Miles

The Lake Crossing sits apart from other paddle races by its length (22 miles) and the majestic paddle across Lake Tahoe nicknamed the Alpine Caribbean. Surrounded by 2000' peaks. Lake Tahoe is known worldwide as a skiers' paradise, what people don't know is that the alpine destination is the largest flat-water paddle venue in the world, where the serenity of the deep blue water meets the towering pines.

Because this is a major bucket list event for most athletes and have paddlers from far and beyond the region; making sure the weather is showing signs for a safe voyage on Tahoe, we are reserving three days to run the race safely; the race will start either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the preferred day is Saturday. So be prepared to race any of those given days - make accommodation or obligation arrangements accordingly. We will be checking the weather forecast during the week of the race and giving updates as the week progresses. This new format will support all paddlers in reaching their goals of paddling across Lake Tahoe and prevent cancelation. The race day will be announced between Monday and Wednesday.

START TRAINING NOW - JOIN TEAM TAHOE WATERMAN

Because there are a few little tricks that you will want to know and we want to help you reach your goals with effective & affordable Options. Contact us to discuss the option to get a custom plan or book a clinic with Jay Wild - Team Tahoe Waterman's Head Coach and Quikblade, Puakea, and 404 paddle athlete.

LOCATION

The event venue and the finish line is at Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay

The Crossing starts at El Dorado Beach South Tahoe, and finishes at Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay 

More events will be happening at Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay, we will keep you posted.

• Performance Paddle Crafts are available to rent from Watermans Landing. Reserve your race craft HERE
• Paddle craft storage is available for the week, spaces are limited, so reserve your spot upon registration.

FORMAT

LAKE CROSSING SOLO (22 Miles - 35km)

The distance calls for paddlers with a bucket list who have committed to their training and are inspired to pursue their endurance and adventure paddling spirit. The course is one that requires some preparation but it is sure to be a fun, rewarding, and memorable experience. Tahoe Waterman is a paddling community of people who come together to commemorate a true love for paddle sports and adventure.  They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, they revel in the beauty of a shared victory.

TEAM RELAY CATEGORY!!! (22 Miles - 35km)

To answer the popular demand, we are opening the race for relay teams to participate in the crossing for 2023.  All teams are welcome in an "OPEN" category with a maximum of 9 participants per team. all Teams are responsible to secure an escort boat on Lake Tahoe and can paddle the craft of choice. Once the team secures an escort, your team will need to complete a safety registration form to have permission to follow a team. The "paddle with heart" format is simple - the relay teams who raised the most funds for their organization of choices will be awarded.

You don't have a particular cause to paddle for, we got your back. In an effort to support the Lake Tahoe Waterman Association's mission of protecting the ecology of our paddle environments;  we have joined efforts with the Sierra Nevada Alliance inviting you to race for a cause and help protect the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe! The Jewel of the Sierra is warming faster than ever leading to invasive weeds, algae, and murky brown water. You can help! Start a team to raise funds to support the Sierra Nevada Alliance dedicated to protecting and preserving natural treasures and communities in Lake Tahoe and the greater Sierra Nevada. 

EXPERIENCE LEVEL AND CRAFT TYPES

The Tahoe Cup - Lake Crossing invites all crafts (OC1, OC2, OC6), Surfski (1 and 2-person), stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and prone paddle-boards.  Because it’s an unusual race distance, 22 miles, the course is suited and recommended to experienced paddlers. 

Because of the length of the race, we apply a cutoff time of 6 hours to complete the 22 miles course. Racers must maintain an average speed of 3.7 miles per hour or greater to complete the distance by this time.  All competitors remaining on the course after the cutoff time will be escorted to the finish venue at Watermans Landing.

Individual paddlers are not required to be escorted by a boat.  All relay teams are responsible for their own escort boats. Without making any guaranteed, Tahoe Waterman may be assisting to locate an escort boat. If you secure an escort you or your team will need to complete a safety registration form and we require the CF number for the vessel on your registration form to have permission to follow a competitor or a team.

SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE

Lake Tahoe is an alpine mountain lake at 6000 feet of elevation and we suggest practicing smart mountain safety. Plan to check weather conditions for race day temperature and winds. Plan to dress appropriately.  

All paddlers will be required to paddle with their cell phones or tracking device.

For an added safety measure, the racecourse is divided into approximately two sections; from South Lake Tahoe to Sugarpine Point State Park (10 miles buoy) - to Watermans Landing (12 miles). If needed, Sugarpine Point Beach can be an exit point for athletes in need.

Athletes rescued from the water will be dropoff at the closes convenient lake public access (unless immediate medical assistance is required) and the athletes will be responsible for their own transport from that moment on.

In an absolute emergency rescue, paddle craft could be left afloat in the Lake.

REGISTRATION - LAST DAY Wednesday, September 15, 2023

Register online (here at PaddleGuru) registration cutoff day is Wednesday, September 13, 2023. We have a limited amount of participants allowed on the course and this event will sell quickly. There is no registration past the Wednesday of the race.

PARKING

There is ample free parking at the event site. Navigate to Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay, and park along the streets in the surrounding area.  We are offering a shuttle for boats only this year to South Lake Tahoe, first come first served. Reservation is available upon race registration.  If you choose to drive yourself or get dropped off at the start, parking is available at El Dorado Beach South Lake Tahoe. All 6-man outrigger crews will be responsible for their transportation and the transportation of their Canoe.

RACE FEE (including a celebration meal served after the race and before the award ceremony)

• Individual Participant | Lake Crossing Course: $145

• 2-Person Teams (OC2 or Double Surf Ski) | Lake Crossing $145 per person

• Relay Team (up to 9 participants) | Lake Crossing $300 per crew

• 6-man Outrigger Crew | Lake Crossing $300 per crew

CATEGORIES

• JUNIOR  18 and under

• OPEN  19-49

• MASTER 50-59

• GOLDEN MASTER 60-69

• LEGEND 70+

AWARDS

• All categories will be awarded; the top 3 will be awarded a prize.  
• For the relay team, all teams regardless of their crafts or age group will be awarded in the same category - the relay team will be awarded on the dollar amount of funds they have raised for their organization of choices.

LIMITS OF RACE ENTRY

For safety reasons, we limit this race to 120 paddle craft on the water, additional safety measures will be emailed to you upon registration if necessary. Register early as there is a good chance this race will sell out

ABOUT US

The Crossing is presented by Tahoe Waterman - a paddling community that comes together to celebrate a true love for paddle sports and adventure. They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, they revel in competition and shared race experiences.

BOARD / BOAT RENTALS

Rent your race craft, SUP, surfski, outrigger canoe, or prone paddleboard. Reserve your racecraft HERE visit www.tahoewaterman.com

COFFEE, BREAKFAST, AND LUNCH

Tahoe Watermans Cafe is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe and offers a healthy organic menu with breakfast and lunch served all day, a coffee bar, beer, and wine, and offers exclusive access to a public beach, free parking, a public beach club facility, and the beach is dog-friendly (one of the only "dog beaches" in Lake Tahoe area). 

REFUND

With the exception of wait-list transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. If we do not have paddlers on the waiting list willing to accept a race entry, then, unfortunately, we will not be able to offer a refund. In the event the race is canceled due to extreme weather, fire, or some other unforeseeable event outside of our control, WE CANNOT OFFER REFUNDS.