CAYUGALAKECUP@GMAIL.COM | 1-607-379-0748
TOP 10 REASONS TO GO TO A CAYUGA LAKE CUP
by Courtney Sinclair a Stand Up Paddler and Desire Mapper from Quebec, Ontario
Thinking of heading to the Fingers Lakes region for the Cayuga Lake Cup? Check out my favourite (Canadian spelling) 10 reasons why you don't want to miss it! This event is easily one worth building a little vacation around. Mark your calendar!
1. Amazing hospitality
Our host for the 2014 SUP Cup weekend: Brookton Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful organic farm was nestled along a beautiful brook just minutes from Ithaca. There are many camping locations (as well as onsite camping at the race location) and lovely B&B's in the area.
The secret is out: 'Ithaca is Gorges'. The landscape in the Ithaca area is spectacular and includes over 100 waterfalls in the region. You will find small cascades as well as thundering waterfalls. Many waterfalls include a beautiful hike while some are quickly accessible. Head to Robert Treman State Park to take the plunge off of a diving board into a swimming hole at the bottom of a waterfall! Recently voted the Best Swimming Hole in NYS!
3. Wine trail!
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is reason enough to visit the area! Attend a wine sampling and take a tour of the vineyards. Some wineries have special events like live outdoor music during the evenings on the weekends.
4. Taste testing at the Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is made up of over 150 vendors within 30 miles of Ithaca and includes fresh produce, hot meals/international cuisine, pastured meat, breads and baked goods and artisinal gifts. I would highly recommend including this in your visit to Ithaca. Make sure to go on an empty stomach. (It's also fun to asks the locals on their recommendations for favourite vendors)
5. Local food dining experience
Ithaca has both regional roots and cultural cuisine to offer you when dining out. Many of the restaurants build their menu around local food and offer local wine and beer as well. Get a taste of the region through a great culinary experience. Moosewood is a local favourite and is on my hit list for 2015.
6. Watch a paddling movie
Enjoy a paddling film in the company of others who are stoked about paddling too! This is a great way to build camaraderie in the SUP community.
This year Plastic Tides is sponsoring our July 30th Movie Night and show ing a film of their expeditions at Cinemapolis.
7. Vendor market
A beautiful local vendor market is on site the day of the event! 2014 vendors included Gimmee Coffee, Hazlitt Winery, Rogues Harbour Inn, Young Living Essential Oils, Rizome Republic and more...
8. Aerial yoga
Offered at the event: Take your yoga practice upside down with aerial yoga. Find balance and peace off the ground in the support of the fabric.
9. Support the local paddling community
Get involved and learn about the local SUP scene. Check out:
10. Oh yes, and to paddle!!
The Cayuga Lake SUP Cup includes multiple race divisions in both elite and recreational course lengths. The races are held on Cayuga Lake and provides for the possibility of a little bit of a wind, making it a nice challenge. Everyone is cheered for and greatly supported as they cross the finish -- a great feeling.
This is a great location for new racers as well as elite athletes. Board rentals are available.
"The paddlers up there aren’t just paddlers. They’re a family, and they’ll take you in and make you their own if you go up there. The paddlers from SUPCayuga came to the Carolina Cup IN FORCE wearing matching jerseys, and brought some for the mullet. We feel like we’re part of the club and can’t wait to see them."
"I hated to leave the event and the eventual after party. It’s a heck of a haul from NC to participate in just a race… and this event wasn’t “just a race.” You always look for additional activities to make the trip a mini vacation, and this is one of those events! If you have the time next year, this is one for the SUP Bucket List."
"We had a great weekend and are looking forward to more races next year. The organizers did a great job with this event and am excited about going back next year."