Velzy Stevens Pier to Pier Paddle Board Race

About the Event

The Velzy Stevens Pier to Pier Paddle Board Race returns to Manhattan Beach, California on August 2nd, marking the start of another thrilling chapter in this beloved annual event. Nestled along the picturesque shoreline where surf and sand meet seamlessly, the race is a cornerstone of the International Surf Festival. Participants gather at dawn as sunlight starts to paint the sky with hues of gold and pink, setting the stage for an exhilarating day on the water.
Manhattan Beach pier provides both starting point and backdrop for this event, its sturdy wooden planks stretching into the ocean like arms welcoming paddlers from near and far. The race course, a 2-mile stretch paralleling the coastline between Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier, offers not only challenging waters but also panoramic views of crashing waves and serene skies. As dawn breaks over the horizon, participants feel the cool breeze on their faces, with the ocean’s rhythmic pulse setting an unspoken tempo for those about to embark upon its current.
The Velzy Stevens Pier to Pier Paddle Board Race has been a tradition in Manhattan Beach since its inception as part of the South Bay Boardriders Club's lineup. Each year sees hundreds of participants ranging from seasoned veterans to young novices, all united by their passion for paddling and respect for the ocean’s power. The race supports local environmental initiatives focused on preserving coastal ecosystems, ensuring that every stroke taken is not just a personal challenge but also an act of conservation.
The course itself winds through waters known for their unpredictable nature and beauty alike. Paddlers navigate around buoys strategically placed to ensure safety while still allowing the competitive spirit to thrive. The race route hugs the shoreline closely at Manhattan Beach Pier, then ventures southward toward Hermosa Beach Pier where it concludes in a vibrant display of camaraderie among finishers. Alongside aid stations offering water and snacks, participants can expect a challenging but fair course layout that tests endurance and skill.
Weather conditions on August 2nd are expected to be mild with temperatures hovering around the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 21.5°C), making for comfortable paddling conditions despite some wind chill factors due to brisk ocean breezes. With an average humidity of approximately 80%, participants should prepare for a slightly damp day but one that remains largely dry and sunny, with minimal chance of rain disrupting the festivities.

Prone 14' - 50+
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone 14' - Open
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone 14' - U18
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone Soft Board (JG Boards)
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone Stock
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone Unlimited - 50+
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone Unlimited - Open
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

Prone Unlimited - U18
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - 50+
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - Open
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - U18
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP Unlimited - 50+
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP Unlimited - Open
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

SUP Unlimited - U18
2 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00

For those looking to register for this year’s event, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/ManhattanBeach/VelzyStevensPiertoPierPaddleBoardRace. Early bird registration is available at a fee of $65 per participant until July 1st, after which the standard rate applies up to race day. Bib pickup will take place on August 1st from 4 PM to 7 PM and again on race morning starting at 6 AM sharp, both located at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Race day starts bright and early with participants required to be present by 7:00 am for pre-race preparations before taking off exactly at 7:30 am. The age requirement is open to all paddlers regardless of their skill level or board type. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to challenge yourself in the SUP Unlimited category, an amateur ready to test your limits on a prone paddleboard, or someone new to the sport eager to experience Manhattan Beach’s iconic shoreline from its waters, this event welcomes everyone with open arms.
The Velzy Stevens Pier to Pier Paddle Board Race invites all who love the ocean and the thrill of competition to join in the spirit of camaraderie and respect for nature. Whether you're a local resident or an out-of-town visitor, experiencing Manhattan Beach on race day is sure to leave lasting memories that echo through future summers.

Races Offered

Prone 14' - 50+

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone 14' - Open

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone 14' - U18

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone Soft Board (JG Boards)

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone Stock

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone Unlimited - 50+

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone Unlimited - Open

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Prone Unlimited - U18

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - 50+

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - Open

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP 12'6" & Under - U18

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP Unlimited - 50+

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP Unlimited - Open

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

SUP Unlimited - U18

Aug 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2 Miles

terrain

Type — Water sports

timer

07:30

sell

$65.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Manhattan Beach.

thermostat Temperature

17.7° / 25.2°

wb_sunny Feels like

18.3° / 25.6°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 47m

water_drop Avg rainfall

0.6 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

9.9 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

High (7.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

79.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:15

nightlight Sunset

19:37

About Manhattan Beach

Learn more about the host city, Manhattan Beach.

Manhattan Beach is in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County in Southern California, USA. With its expensive homes, fancy restaurants, and wealthy residents, Manhattan Beach is like Beverly Hills-by-the-sea. It is also site of an important beach volleyball tournament, the Manhattan Beach Open.

Hotels & Places to Stay

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About the Event