SeeCalifornia.com

Action sports aren’t for the feint of mind, body and heart. You can see that philosophy in action at the 27th annual Santa Cruz Paddle Festival where the waves can be wild and untamed and the rides can throw you in a spin–even heading upside down. Maybe you’re not cut out for this kind of action and competition but it’s sure fun to watch. Make a date to see the best of the best put on a show with Mother Nature at the event taking place March 22 – 24, 2013. Surfing will be one of the elements of the festival in Surf  City, the West Coast spot that made mainland surfing famous. Other events include Cowell’s Classic (novice) and  Elite Steamer Lane (top paddlers)  running concurrently with the final event determining paddle surfing athletes to represent the US West in the Australian world championships held in July 2013. Surf kayaking  is one of the biggest elements of the festival–its history dates back to 1985 when Adventure Sports Unlimited (asudoit.com) launched their first competition. Since then they have hosted the annual Padddle Festival and at least one or two World Championships.