Cayucos Race Ocean to Ocean

Welcome to Regatta Cayucos Ocean to Ocean, a traditional event in the community that began in 1954 with the participation of athletes from the Republic of Panama and the United States.
Mr. Frank Townsend, working for the Panama Canal Company and group leader of the Boy Scouts of America, had the great idea of bringing a group of boy scouts to visit an Indian village on the banks of the Rio Chagres. Soon, they also learn the traditions and culture of our Indians, and especially, to use their main method of transportation, the canoe.
With the passage of time, rowing competitions between groups of explorers intensified and decided to organize an official race. Thus was born this beautiful tradition that has lasted over 54 years without interruption.

Traditionally, canoes are made from a tree trunk that has been crudely national hollowed out by the Indians of Panama. They are then finished and shaped by experts in the sport. This is an art that transcends generations. The race, organized by a volunteer committee members of the Balboa Paddle Club (CREB), gives the participant the opportunity to paddle by canoe from one ocean to another through the Panama Canal. This extreme sport is a test of character and perseverance of young athletes. While it is clear the competitive spirit that reigns over the three days of the regatta, the mere fact of completing these grueling 50 miles is a real achievement and a memorable learning experience.

The race also has an adult section for those enthusiasts who want to participate. The race starts on Friday at Cristobal, the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, where he developed the first set, ending at the north end of Gatun Locks. This tour is approximately 7 miles. The second round begins on Saturday, very early in the morning at the southern end of the Gatun Locks and runs 21 miles from Gatun Lake and then finished the buoy 93 of Gamboa.

On Sunday, the third leg of the race starts from Gamboa and Culebra Cut runs through until the landing of Pedro Miguel. In the Pedro Miguel pier permit is expected to enter the chamber where Pedro Miguel Locks is held the first lockage. Once you open the floodgates of the Pedro Miguel Locks starts the fourth leg of the race that is the Miraflores Lake. After entering the Miraflores Locks, completed the next two lockages that put the canoes to the level of the Pacific Ocean. By opening the floodgates of Miraflores Locks start the fifth and last race of the regatta which is 15 miles, ending at the public ramp Point Diablo.

 Ocean to Ocean Race: the 5 Stretches (Courtesy of Bill Fall)

The canoe season consists of six months from October to March or April next year. It begins with the drawing of the canoes owned by CREB and culminates in the award after racing Nissan Ocean to Ocean. The young winners of a canoe, have the right to paddle the canoe during the season. Three other events taking place during the season of canoes (see description in other events) Cayuco Regatta Ocean to Ocean has two categories: junior category, consisting of youth ages 14 to 21 years and the open category for those aged 22 and older. Each category is subdivided into three subcategories: male, female and mixed. Teams consist of four rowers. In preliminary races, participants compete for medals for the first three places in each category, while in the race from ocean to ocean, the first four places are awarded trophies. Each participant who completed the race from ocean to ocean will receive a badge commemorating their participation. The logo is designed by the winning team last year. Usually involving 100 canoes, 400 paddlers and there are approximately 1,000 spectators.

Cayuco Regatta is only possible because the generous and selfless support of the Panama Canal Authority who gives us access to canal water, water equipment, support staff and use of facilities.
 
Other events during the season of Cayucos are:

• The race of the Amador Causeway

• Veracruz Cup

• The Atlantic Cup

• Gamboa's race

• Funday Chagres