This was my first time attending and competing in the Hobuck Hoedown and what an incredible long weekend it was! It was 100% worth the schlep of flying from SFO to Seattle with a Mega Vamp then driving it on top of a rental car with a very makeshift rack system all around the peninsula to Neah Bay in the dark. I hadn’t been to this part of Washington since I was in high school doing a backpacking trip in the Hoh Rainforest. So much had changed.
The Hobuck Hoedown is held on the beautiful Makah tribal territory at Hobuck Beach at the very northwest tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the event drew paddlers from all corners of the Pacific Northwest, NorCal and western Canada, eager to catch waves, connect with friends, and soak up the electric atmosphere. With good vibes all around, this year’s Hoedown was a shining example of what surf competitions can be—fun, smooth-running, and full of camaraderie.
A massive thanks goes out to the dedicated team—Jameson Riser, Melinda Moree, Erika O'Leary, Graton Gathright, and Jaime Sharp—who worked tirelessly to bring the Hoedown back to life. Their efforts paid off, and the response was overwhelming, with both new faces and seasoned paddlers coming together to make this event truly special.
It was fantastic to see so many first-time competitors stepping up and giving it their all. The Hoedown was a welcoming space for everyone, and it was inspiring to watch paddlers new to competition push their limits and compete alongside surf legends who brought their A-game. The level of skill and talent on display was incredible, making each heat an exciting show of athleticism and passion.
It was amazing to also see so many sponsors pitch in to get the event off the ground. Among all the competitors, every outfitter they run or work for pitched in to sponsor the event including P&H Kayaks. The generous support of sponsors and participants went beyond the competition itself. Thanks to their contributions and the organizing committee, we raised nearly $2,000 in raffle sales for Makah Tribe youth surf programming. It was heartening to see the community rally together to support a cause that feels so essential to what binds us from tribe to surf tribe.
The Hobuck Hoedown is an event that I plan on returnign to annually and encourage all paddlesurfers of all levels to join. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just catching your first wave, there’s a place for you at the Hoedown. Sea kayaks, HP and IC kayaks plus SUPs welcome.
More information and registraion: https://www.hobuckhoedown.com/home