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May 24, 2017

Rincón Beachboy 2017, Foundation Stone of the WPA World SUP Tour

While Stop 3 of the WPA World SUP Tour is approaching fast, we would like to dwell on the event which will be remembered as WPA’s 1st ever World SUP Tour stop. Sandra Y. Caro, Treasurer for Rincón Beachboy, Inc., shares with us her excitement to add the largest SUP race in the Caribbean to the World Paddle Association’s newly launched World SUP Tour!

Hello Sandra, what is the Rincón Beachboy race, how long has it been running and how has it developed over the years?

Rincón Beachboy, Inc. is a group of friends from Puerto Rico who share a passion for stand up paddle board. Since its inception in 2009, every edition of the Rincón Beachboy race has earned the distinction of being the largest SUP race in the Caribbean.

Most importantly, we are known as a great family event that strives to give back to the community by sponsoring several local causes each year, specially Salón Angelitos de Amor that provides services to Down Syndrome kids. The first edition had 70 participants and the last edition that took place in April 2017 had a total of 340 competitors.

The first edition was mostly local competitors and it is now an International event. The event’s many categories, prize money, charitable aspect, and all around fun attract professionals and amateur racers, both internationally and locally.

How did the 2017 Rincón Beachboy edition go?

The 2017 edition took place on April 8 at Hotel Villa Cofresi and Parador Villa Antonio in Rincón, Puerto Rico which has hosted the event since the very beginning. The event now is international and brought competitors from Canada, Mexico, United States, Australia, France, Costa Rica, Germany and the Virgin Islands.

On the Elite 14 category, Mo Freitas from Hawaii was the winner after racing the 8 mile course with a time of 1:05:57. The second place went to Josh Riccio, also from Hawaii who made almost the exact time and gave us an emotional and passionate tie that had to be confirmed with videos to determine the winner. The third place went to Kelly Margetts, from Australia.

A total of $10,600.00 was distributed among Elite winners. The Open and kids category winners received trophies and other prizes.

Where does the name of the event “Rincon Beach Boy” come from?

The Beachboy name comes from back in the 1950-60’s when the local Hawaiian lifeguards in Waikiki called themselves The Beach Boys. That is where standup paddle boarding originated, from the Hawaiian beach boys in the 1950’s. They were the first surfers to paddle big lifeguard boards around with canoe paddles and watch over the tourists because they could stand and see everyone much better. So, we are the Rincón Beachboys (and girls, of course)!

Rincon Beachboy

How long have you been working with the WPA and how does has the WPA been supporting you?

This was our first year with the WPA and it was totally amazing. They saw credibility and professionalism in Rincon Beachboy since we are the longest running race today in the world.

The good word is spreading through the competitors that have been at the race before. The WPA gave us support with marketing and pushing our event to the right media. Rincon Beachboy was invited to be part of the circuit by Jorge Quintana, WPA liaison in Puerto Rico who has known our event since the very beginning.

With our participation in the circuit we saw a significant increase in world class athletes and the best international recognition. It definitely took our event to the next level. Rincon Beachboy is looking forward to a continued partnership with WPA to further promote the sport of stand up paddleboard.

 

For the complete list of results go to www.rinconbeachboy.com.