Competitors break from the start line for the first annual Coeur d'SUP Stand Up Paddleboard Races & Festival at City Beach in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Dave Richie, far right, age 61 of Priest River, Id., took the early lead, but Brett Saguid, 37, of Spokane, far left won the race with John Troppmann, 57 of CdA, front center, taking overall second place. They covered a distance of one mile along the beach front. "They do it for the love of the sport. Any day on the water is a good day" said event organizer Diane Higdem. Next year's event is planned for August. (SR photo: Dan Pelle)

A small group of brave souls gathered at Coeur d’Alene City Beach on Saturday morning, ignoring choppy waters and a cold wind to paddleboard one more time before summer’s end. The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Coeur d’SUP (stand-up paddleboard) races. Bad conditions and late planning made for a small turnout, event coordinator Diane Higdem said. As organizers realized few people were signing up, they stripped the festival down, she said. To create a race that was “free, fun and wide open,” all registration fees were removed. About a dozen people stood by the rocky lake between races. A few tested the waters, struggling at first then paddling smoothly across the waves/Kaitlin Gillespie, SR. More here.

Question: Have you ever tried to paddleboard?