We hit a milestone here last month in Arizona, with the first SUP race at Lake Pleasant, located in the northeast valley.
I thought it was an excellent event that added to the Arizona Leukemia Cup Regatta. As water people, we all share the same pleasures on water, and always find common ground, whatever vessel or watercraft of choice.
This was also the Arizona Yacht Club’s 16th edition of sailing’s prestigious fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “In 2017, Arizona sailors raised about $30,000 through this event,” Victor Felice, Vice Commodore of the AYC said.
The community came together and had a great time. “Paddlers were supporting one another, on and off the water – sharing tips, tricks and even equipment. That’s what we love about this sport. The competition itself is only a percentage of the camaraderie. The community makes it whole,” Teri and Corey Carlin of Riverbound Sports added.
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There were smiles all around, all day. Chris Smith, Chairman of the AYC Leukemia Cup said, “Thanks to all the racers who came out for the Arizona Yacht Club’s inaugural Leukemia SUP Cup. The rain stopped long enough for us to race. Add the lightning-inspired and Anthony Vela designed amphitheater race course, camp fire, raffle, one-wheel time trials around Dead Man’s Curve, and (most importantly, in my book) paddlers cheering on paddlers, and, yeah, there was a lot to smile about.”
