The morning started off with a little light sprinkling, but it all cleared into sunshine and smiles by the finish! NAC showed up in full force — and in matching Winter Series jerseys — for the Inaugural Green Buoy Battle in Dana Point.
This race brought a fresh and exciting format to the series, featuring both single-run and double-run options. Each lap clocked in just under 3.25 miles, and paddlers had the choice to race one lap, two laps, or combine their times for the ultimate challenge.
NAC showed up and showed out — placing in every division we entered!
• 1st Surfski Open Men in the double run
• 1st & 2nd OC1 Open Men in the double run
• 2nd OC1 Open Men in the single run
• 1st Golden Masters Women OC1 in the single run
• 1st Masters Women OC1 in the single run
• 1st–4th OC1 Open Women in the single run
• 3rd Sr. Master Women in the single run
And a special shoutout to NAC Junior paddler Avalon Gonzalez, who made the trip over from Catalina Island and brought home 1st place Junior OC1!
To everyone who raced, cheered, loaded trucks, and kept the good vibes high all morning long — thank you. Days like this remind us why the NAC community is so strong. Winter racing is officially underway, and we’re just getting started! See you in Oceanside!
Kel Schwartz