Thursday March 11 2010
Lifeguard preps for paddleboard race across "The Channel"
Posted by: Pat Morrison on 03/15/2009
Jared Vargas Preps For a Race Across "The Channel"
Since early January, Jared Vargas has been training for a race across the channel from Avalon to Dana Point. The Ocean Ohana Catalina Challenge is a 38 mile race usually done by relay teams of 2 to 4 competitors, but Jared is paddling solo on an 18 foot stand-up paddleboard.
Jared has been training and racing himself into shape by racing in shorter distance events from Santa Barbara to San Diego in the 31/2 to 5 mile range. Jared has consistently placed in the top 5 SUP UL overall, with his best finish being at Cabrillo Beach where he finished first overall, and set a new course record. After accepting his award for 1st place, Jared paddled home from Cabrillo to Marina Park.
Jared has also done a paddle from Marina Park to the Huntington Beach Pier and back along with other long paddles out to platform Esther, the breakwater, and the oil islands.
Jared has one more short course race left as part of the 2009 So. Cal. Ocean Racing Series.
Jared crosses the channel on Sunday, March 29, @ 9 A.M., and depending on the conditions, he plans on finishing between 7 and 8 hours.
Association President Shawn Parker
There have been a number of significant events since our last communication. First, we have experienced a number of losses to our Lifeguard family. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Keaton King and the passing of his wife of 58 years Colleen, Roger Patterson, whose mother Alice passed, Alan Powder, whose mother Edith passed and Kathy Coulter who lost her sister Terry. Our deepest sympathies go out to our Lifeguard brothers, sisters, family and friends during this difficult time.
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