Welcome to TC Waterman

Waterman wa·ter·man /wôtərmən/ \

NOUN

A Male or Female boasting total mastery of all ocean, inland sea, lake, and waterway endeavors. The revered waterman is proficient in either or all Stand-Up-Paddle Board (SUP), Surfing, Dive, Bodysurf, & Surfski disciplines. Waterman are capable of interpreting complex water and weather data. Generally a waterman is found in good physical and spiritual health and often found in a state of bliss. Commonly found near coastal environments. When separated from coastal environments commonly will embark on extended treks or safaris to find water.

Origins:

1950’s English; surf lingo See: Stoke, Aloha Spirit

The TC Waterman Challenge and Expo is the Midwest's largest Stand-Up-Paddle-Board (SUP) event & industry EXPO. This SUP festival and the Midwest's largest SUP industry EXPO include recreational and elite races for all ages and skill levels, free product demonstrations, free clinics, free kids races, and the Awards Luau Dinner-Presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses for all participants. This World Paddle Association- (WPA) sanctioned event is also the site of the 2013 Great Lakes Regional Championship!

The main events, staged on the shores of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan, include a recreational, all-ages, all-skill levels, 3.5 Mile Course Race located close offshore for spectators and on-lookers to view. The TC Waterman also boasts the longest true "open water" distance race- The 11 Mile "Down-Winder" which is open to the public and elite racers alike. New for 2013 is the 100M "Dash-For-Cash" Sprints. Let's not forget the little ones who can enter free into the KEIKI (Kids) Races. The day’s competitive events will conclude with the Awards Luau Dinner--presented by Maui Jim Sunglasses--served inside our main event tent, complete with a Hawaiian pig roast and Polynesian dancers. All competitive events are open to the public though registration is required.

Running all day during the competitive events is the Largest Stand-Up-Paddle-Board (SUP) industry EXPO. Walk through the over 50 booths representing local and national SUP organizations and companies. Immerse yourself in local paddling and Waterman culture and community. Take advantage of local surf and paddle board shops, which will be providing free clinics, seminars, and demonstrations during the day’s events. Meet industry board, paddle, and SUP equipment manufacturers and distributors. Learn about the importance of our Grand Traverse Bay watershed ecology and meet with action groups like the Grand Traverse Watershed Center & The Great Lakes Rescue Project.

Whether you’re looking to get your feet wet in the waters of SUP for the the first time or racing for the WPA points, the 2013 TC Waterman Challenge & Expo is the perfect way to experience the rich tradition of the Great Lakes Stand Up Paddle lifestyle.

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