The Waterman Challenge is a challenging 15-mile open ocean course down the coast of San Diego from Swamis to Windansea, the longest continuous running paddleboard race in the world.
The Waterman Challenge 2026 - Sunday, July 27, 2026
Registration and payment available at PaddleGuru
1st Waterman Challenge, 1996
Race Guidelines
- Race starts at 7am. Be on time or catch up!
- Pre-registration only via PaddleGuru.
- Come with your number on your right shoulder and hand... please.
- Check-in will return to the normal parking lot park bench area. Compass/GPS verification required.
- Race safety talk begins promptly at 6:40 am on the beach.
- In the event you are the woman or man in front, we have a lead boat on the rum line. Follow it.
- The finish will be a boat with a big checkered flag.
- Your Name, Number and finish Time will be recorded by the crew. Smile for the camera :)!
- Welcome back raffle, refreshments, award ceremony and Waterman Brother & Sisterhood, enjoy!
Course: Swamis to WindanSea (15 miles)
Duration: 2.5 - 4 hours
PLEASE TRAIN ADEQUATELY
Typical Late July Conditions
Based on 30 years of historical weather data for Encinitas, expect warm summer conditions at race start: clearer skies than June with minimal marine layer.
Air Temp: 65-72°F at start, warming to 75°F+
Water Temp: 68-72°F
Humidity: ~65%
Visibility: Generally clear; occasional morning haze
Rain: Extremely unlikely (<1% chance)
Hourly Wind Progression (Typical)
Sea breeze develops as land heats—race early for calm water!
| Time | Direction | Speed | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00am | Calm/Variable | 0-3 kts | Glass to light texture—ideal start |
| 8:00am | Variable → W/WNW | 2-5 kts | Sea breeze beginning, light ripple |
| 9:00am | W/WNW | 5-8 kts | Onshore flow building, small chop |
| 10:00am | WNW | 8-12 kts | Full sea breeze, moderate chop |
Faster paddlers benefit from calmer early conditions. By 10am, expect building westerly chop.
Pro tip: July typically has clearer skies than June. Stay hydrated and use sun protection.
New Rule:
All racers must have either a compass, GPS, or both on their craft. The coordinates for where the finish boat will be anchored are: 32°49'53.5"N 117°16'58.4"W
Divisions and Awards
Top three finishers in each division will earn an award. Stock: 12' and under, Unlimited: everything else, Kapuna: 50+, Fourteen: (First Place Only), Women
Transportation
This is a point to point race. Please arrange to be dropped off at Swamis. Also please note that parking for the finish at Windansea is on residential streets. Please be courteous.
Directions to Swamis:
- 5 North/South
- Exit Encinitas Blvd. Go west towards ocean
- South on Coast Highway
- Stay on PCH through two stoplights and two stop signs
- Swamis Beach park on right past Swamis Self Realization Center
Directions to WindanSea:
- 5 South
- Exit La Jolla Village Dr. West
- Left on Torrey Pines Rd.
- Right on Pearl St.
- Left on La Jolla Blvd.
- Right on Nautalus to beach.
Sponsors
A big thank you to BARK, Patagonia, Stay Covered, Surftech and Colby+ Wetsuits
Community Support and Donations
NCPE is a non-profit organization run only by volunteers. All proceeds from the race will go to support organizations in our local communities. Just In Time benefits young adults graduating from foster care programs in San Diego.