-the ultimate downwind adventure-
Welcome to the Jupiter Waterman’s Challenge — South Florida’s premier downwind racing event. Designed for paddleboards, foilboards, wingfoilers, kiteboarders, and canoes, this community-driven challenge brings watermen and waterwomen together to celebrate speed, skill, and ocean energy.
Whether you’re chasing your first downwinder or gunning for a podium finish, this is your chance to harness the wind and glide along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.
Special thanks to our Sponsors!
Sign up/registration
Please sign up for the events and get email/text updates:
*Each event is run on the first windy weekend day during the event window.
Event Windows/Alerts - DECEMBER 2025
To ensure safe and optimal downwind conditions, race-day timing follows a signal system:
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Yellow Light — 72 hours out (tentative call to prepare)
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Green Light — at least 24 hours before start (race ON)
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Start Window — 2 hours (e.g., 8–10 AM). If we can’t start inside that window, the race rolls to the next qualifying weekend day.
Venue/Location
The race will take place between:
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“Corners” beach (Beach Access #59) in Jupiter- 26°55'33.7"N 80°04'03.5"W
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North end of Riviera Beach Park - 2700 N Ocean Dr, Riviera Beach, FL 33404) 26.785287, -80.031945
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Conditions required will be either a strong northerly or southerly wind (Northerly wind starting at Jupiter Inlet, Southerly wind starting from Riviera Beach Park (~10 miles).
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“Corners” beach (Beach Access #59) in Jupiter- 26°55'33.7"N 80°04'03.5"W |
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North end of Riviera Beach Park - 2700 N Ocean Dr, Riviera Beach, FL 33404) 26.785287, -80.031945 |
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Optional- Long course (~20 miles)
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Location: Between Hobe Sound Refuge and Riviera Beach Park
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Hobe Sound- Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
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Riviera Beach Park -Just to the south of Ritz Carlton- 2700 N Ocean Dr, Riviera Beach
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Start line- Individuals starting from this location will be asked to provide a GPS track as there might not be a starting official present.
Awards & Celebration
This is a challenge, not a race. Do it for fun, do it for yourself!
We will announce:
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Best time/performance in each category receives recognition.
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Waterman/Waterwoman (nominated by riders)
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Castaway (furthest out to sea)- GPS track required
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Longest run ( longest track between 2 points)- GPS track required
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Ripper/Shredder (Most turns)- GPS track required
Join us afterward for awards, raffles, and festivities at:
Adventure Sports Jupiter
📍 236 U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, FL
Because the stoke doesn’t end at the finish line!
Special thanks to our sponsors who make this event possible.
Why People Love This Event
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Downwind conditions that turn the ocean into your engine
Courses that reward ocean reading, not just raw cardio -
A welcoming vibe — elite racers and first-timers share the same water
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A multi-craft format celebrating true Waterman culture
When the wind turns on, the line between work and play disappears. That’s the magic of the Jupiter Waterman’s Challenge.
Rules & Safety
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Start line- Start line will be determined the morning of at the locations above. The line will be 2 flags and/or buoys and be perpendicular to the beach from the flags/buoys.. Participants may start as far out from the beach as they like, but must be able to see the start line.
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Finish line- Will be indicated by a flag and/or buoy at the locations above. Participants simply need to cross nearby shore to be scored as finished. Participants don’t need to finish on the beach.
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Condition requirements- Start will be determined by event officials discretion based on the conditions in consideration with competitor safety. Ideally we’re looking for moderate to strong winds (Northerly or Southerly) with no severe sea state.
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Safety equipment- All competitors required to wear a high visibility race jersey, & CE life jacket.
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Everyone must stay clear of lifeguarded zones and restricted areas including piers. Anyone caught going through a lifeguarded zone will not be welcome back.
