MAKAH COAST RACE
The Makah Coast Race is a 6 mile ocean human powered paddling and rowing race September 29th on Makah Bay at the Makah Indian Reservation. Racers start on Hobuck Beach and go through the surf to an outer reef, then to the south end of the bay, around a picturesque sea stack, back to the reef and back through the surf to the beach. Like many beach events, racers will run a short distance to the finish line. Some proceeds will be donated to the Makah Lutheran Church.
The race will take place alongside the Hobuck Hoedown, a surf and sea kayak, and SUP surf competition held annually at Hobuck Beach.
Nearby Cape Flattery is the most northwesterly corner of the Lower 48 US and Washington State. Makah Bay is known for its surf, beaches and access to Olympic National Park’s Shi Shi Beach.
Check out our NEAH BAY TRAVEL GUIDE.
Racers will be screened for their skills. You must be competent with ocean paddling and rowing skills for surf, large waves, wind and swell.
Registration:
Makah Coast Race Registration Here
- Register Separately here for the Hobuck Hoedown (Sept 28-29) Kayak and sup surfing competition.
- Register here: for the $19 Saturday night dinner at Hobuck thanks to the Hobuck Hoedown and Linda’s Woodfire Pizza.
Race Schedule:
Thursday Sept 26th, online registration closes.
Friday 9/28 – On-site registration opens at 3pm and closes at 7pm.
Sun 7:30am – Safety Meeting for all participants and staff
Sun 8am – Race Start (See note below regarding early start time)
Sun 10:30am – Race ends
Sun 11:00 – Awards
Why the Early Start?
Morning tends to have less wind, thus you’ll have a cleaner exit/re-entry through the surf in the morning. Also the race start is at slack tide which may allow also for a less chaotic exit off the beach. And we’re coordinating this race with the Hobuck Hoedown which will starting heats nearby. Our goal is to not take over the beach as other surfers (and HH participants) will be present.
Required Gear
PFD (worn), leash for SUPs, immersion clothing for conditions, optional helmet for surf launch/entry, VHF radio. High-vis colors strongly recommended.
Race Cancellation for Conditions
The maximum wave size for the race is 9-10 feet. Anything larger or the same sizes with onshore winds will lead to a cancellation. If racers are already out there, we’ll look at alternative options to run the event in more protected waters.
Additional Travel Info
If you’re not interested in staying on the coast overnight, you can access Hobuck from Port Angeles which is only 1.5hrs away. Port Angeles has several lodging options. See our Neah Bay Travel Guide.
Skill Prerequisites: Advanced
You should have proven skills in ocean and open water paddling, surfing and rough water skills. You should know how to swim. This is not a race for beginners. Ocean swell could range from 2′ to 10′. We will not hold the competition beyond a 10′ swell and/or 25kt winds.
Lifejackets and leashes required to participate as well as reliable communication device. Helmets recommended for surf entry / exit.
