2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge

So the blog has been dark for a while now… but for two excellent reasons.

One, we’re expecting a baby in October! And two, we’ve been hard at work putting plans in place for a super-fun, all-inclusive, economy-stimulating SUP event that will take place at Riverbend Park on Saturday, June 18.

The first annual Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge will include three competitive events: a six-mile long course, a two-mile short course, and a judged SUP skills “expression session.” Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event. A number of fantastic prizes will also be up for grabs. Plus, both competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to sample equipment from some of the country’s leading SUP manufacturers.

The spectator-friendly event will take place on the Deschutes River. Registration, opening and closing ceremonies, manufacturer demos, and surrounding festivities will take place at Riverbend Park.

All proceeds of the 2011 Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge will be divided equally between the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and the Bend Parks and Recreation Foundation scholarship fund. By participating in the Challenge, you can support these organizations' efforts to enhance quality of life for all Bend residents… and have lots of fun in the process!

The course: Racers will paddle upstream from Riverbend Park, make a buoy turn just past Bill Healy Memorial Bridge, then head back downstream through the “Old Mill stretch” to another buoy turn near the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Then they'll charge back upstream to the start/finish line. The two-mile course will be completed three times for the long race and once for the short race. Yes, paddlers will both start and finish paddling upstream. It isn’t called a Challenge for nothing.

Matt Purvis, Marketing Vice President of title sponsor Northwest Community Credit Union, says it was a natural decision to support the Challenge. "We celebrate everything 'northwest'. The Northwest Community Bend Paddleboard Challenge is the perfect place to meet current and future members and support a great community event," he says. And yes, the famous Northwest Community Credit Union bike-blended smoothies will be offered at the Challenge.

The 2011 Northwest Community Bend Paddleboard Challenge is proudly supported by Stand Up Paddle Magazine, Robberson Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda, Clear 101.7, KTVZ, Fox Central Oregon, KIALOA, and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company.

To register for the Northwest Community Credit Union Bend Paddleboard Challenge and/or for more information, visit www.BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, email Info@BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, call 541.639.2655, or drop by Stand Up Paddle Bend or the Bend or Redmond branches of Northwest Community Credit Union.

Paddling Clinic with Karen Wrenn!

The Inspirational Karen
Wrenn who will teach
a paddling clinic in
Bend the day before the
Bend Paddleboard Challenge.

Inspirational Portland paddler Karen Wrenn, who has finished impressively in SUP events all around the world, will be teaching two paddling clinics (one beginner and one advanced) on Friday June 17 at Riverbend Park. The "Paddle with Pros" clinics are a great way for racers to learn new skills to utilize the next day in the Challenge. To register for a clinic or for more info, give us a call at 541.639.2655 email Info@BendPaddleboardChallenge.com, or visit PaddleWithPros.com.



About Northwest Community Credit Union

Northwest Community Credit Union is located throughout Oregon. We have 15 branches in local communities, but we are part of a national network that allows us to share thousands of branches throughout America. We even have 28,000 free ATMs. Our banking services range from business accounts to home loans; plus, we offer just about any savings tool or personal loan you can imagine.

Our credit union has a philosophy that local people deserve personalized, local service.  So it’s only natural that we tend to sponsor local, community-involved events. When you join Northwest Community, you’re part of a not-for-profit financial cooperative, where members share resources to offer low cost loans to other members. Net profits come back to you as higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and better service. It has worked that way since the original 29 members founded our credit union in 1949. That’s Northwest of Banking.

About the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance

The Bend Paddle Trail Alliance is a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of the natural beauty of the Deschutes Paddle Trail. We're particularly excited about the Alliance's efforts to improve the Colorado Avenue Dam and establish a whitewater park at Miller Landing -- a project that will improve public safety and have a terrific effect on Bend's economy. Click here to learn more.

About The Bend Park and Recreation Foundation

The Bend Park and Recreation Foundation is a non-profit organization which exists to preserve Bend's livability by enhancing our community’s parks, trails and recreation programs, providing access and opportunity for all.

By the way, we've also been cooking up a host of other fun activities for Bend's imminent SUP season including group SUP classes and Vinyasa flow yoga/SUP sessions! Stay tuned for more info.