Tahoe Downwind Championships

THE LAKE TAHOE DOWNWIND CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Kaspian Downwinder is a classic downwind run for the Team Tahoe Waterman crew, whenever the wind allows. Lake Tahoe is a sleeper downwind destination. The lake has a big fetch with afternoon high winds, a great combination for riding bumps and gliding across pristine waters.

The prevailing winds at Lake Tahoe are out of the southwest, although you do see some variation throughout the day. In the summer, morning winds tend to “clock around” from light and easterly to southeasterly to southerly and finally over to southwesterly not long after 1:00 in the afternoon.

The winds at Lake Tahoe are also a little flukey, because of the tall mountains that ring the lake, the elevation (which, at 6,229 ft. above sea level, means the air is about 17% less dense than at sea level), and the narrow canyons along the west shore that tend to funnel the wind in a noticeable way in the afternoons. Cold fronts coming in from the Pacific also tend to bring powerful, gusty conditions, and it’s not unusual to see 25+ miles per hour winds gust on the lake when one of these storms hits the Sierra Nevada.

The afternoon canyon winds, especially Blackwood Canyon on the west shore of Lake Tahoe are relatively predictable and enjoyable, especially when you’re up for a little adventure. The numerous canyons on the west shore focus and accelerate the wind, proving great downwind conditions for miles and exhilarating rides. Unlike the east shore, the water along the west shore remains fairly flat, as it is the windward side of the lake, so you’re in for a smooth, fast, and fun downwind paddle.

Because there are a few little tricks that you will want to know, make sure to listen in during the race briefing or contact Tahoe Waterman for a downwind clinic with our local pros.

We will be checking the wind forecast during the week of the race and be giving updates as the week progresses. If the wind does not come then we will still be racing and having fun on the 9-mile course.

LOCATION

Day-of registration and event venue is at Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay

The Downwind race starts at Kaspian Point/Blackwood canyon on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe and finishes at Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay - shuttle reservation available upon registration for 2022 only boats will be transported, you are responsible for getting yourself to the start. (We will notify if conditions changes and we are able to transport people to the start safely.

Performance Paddle Craft is available to rent from Watermans Landing. Reserve your race craft HERE

Paddle craft storage is available for the weekend, spaces limited, reserve your spot upon registration.

FORMAT

Downwinder (9 mile - 15 km): The race format includes a downwind paddle from Kaspian Point/Blackwood canyon on the West Shore to Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay. Racers start in the water on their craft and finish on the water between finish buoys.

We will be checking the weather forecast during the week of the race and be giving updates as the week progresses. If the wind is not showing signs Saturday, we are reserving Sunday for a "weather day".

EXPERIENCE LEVEL AND CRAFT TYPES

The Downwind course invites all paddlers (OC1, OC2), surfski (1 and 2-person), stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and prone paddleboards.

Because it’s not unusual to see 25+ miles per hour winds gust on the lake when one of these storms hits the Sierra Nevada. The Downwind course is recommended for experienced paddlers.

SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE

Lake Tahoe is an alpine mountain lake at 6000 feet of elevation and we suggest practicing smart mountain safety. Plan to check weather conditions for race day temperature and winds. Plan to dress appropriately.

REGISTRATION

Register online (here at PaddleGuru) or on-site on race day. There is an additional fee for race morning registration.

PARKING

There is ample free parking at the event site. Navigate to Watermans Landing, in Carnelian Bay, and follow the signs for parking when you arrive.  We are offering a shuttle for the downwind paddlers.  If you choose to drive yourself or get dropped off at the start, parking is available at Kaspian Point/Blackwood canyon on the West Shore and at the entrance of Blackwood Canyon.

RACE FEE (including a celebration meal served after the race and before the award ceremony)

• Individual Participant | Downwind Course: $55

• 2-Person Teams (OC2 or Double Surf Ski) | downwind: $55 per person

• NOTE: Race-day Registration is an additional $20 per person

CATEGORIES

• JUNIOR  U17

• OPEN  18-49

• MASTER 50-59

• SENIOR MASTER 60-69

• LEGEND 70+

AWARDS

All categories will be awarded: For each category, if 5 or more participants are in the respective category, the top 3 will be awarded a prize.  If 4 or fewer participants are in the respected category, only the winner will be awarded a prize.

ABOUT US

The Downwind Championship is presented by Tahoe Waterman - a paddling community that comes together to celebrate a true love for paddle sports, health, and adventure. They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, with storytelling and shared race experience.

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW

For safety reasons, we limit this race to 99 paddlers on the water. Register early as there is a good chance this race may sell out.

REFUND

With the exception of wait-list transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. If we do not have paddlers on the waiting list willing to accept a race entry, then, unfortunately, we will not be able to offer a refund. In the event the race is canceled due to extreme weather, fire, or some other unforeseeable event outside of our control, WE CANNOT OFFER REFUNDS.