Newport, OR – The 3rd annual Oregon Open Ocean is a two-part paddle event that takes place on the fun and challenging shores of the central Oregon coast, August 24 – 26, 2012. This year’s event will benefit the American Brain Tumor Association so all participants will be asked to “paddle their brains out” for the charity. Two races take place during the weekend - the offshore race and the bay race, allowing paddlers to try their skills in two completely different bodies of water. The offshore race is also proving to be one of the most challenging paddle races in the continental U.S. for the sport of Stand Up Paddling (SUP) according to past participants. Last year’s event was privileged to have Gerry Lopez (a standup paddle boarding pioneer) and competitors from as far away as Florida in attendance.

The Oregon Open Ocean is a World Paddle Association event and will be the final chance for paddlers to collect points in the Northwest Regional race Series, leading up to the National Championships of 2012. 

About the American Brain Tumor Association:

ABTA was the first national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumors. For nearly 40 years, has been providing comprehensive resources that support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care. 

Generous donations received from: Oregon Surf Shop, Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, Ossie’s Surf Shop, Riviera Paddlesurf, Jimmy Lewis and Gorge Performance will be raffled off during the awards ceremony to help raise funds for this cause. 

How to Participate:

Registration is available online at http://www.oregonopenocean.com/registration, through Thursday, August 23rd.  There will be onsite registration Friday, August 24th, 4-7 pm at the Rogue Brewery, 2320 OSU Dr., Newport OR.  A social and banquet will follow, including a pre-race meeting to discuss safety, schedule and race day logistics.  The intended plan is for the offshore race to occur on Saturday the 25th, and the Bay race to occur on Sunday the 26th. Both races would run roughly between 11-3pm - weather permitting. 

For more information see: http://www.oregonopenocean.com/

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