It’s back! The most fun paddling event of the year in the greater Los Angeles area, the annual Malibu Downwinder. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, the approximately seven mile ocean course runs from Pt. Mugu State Beach to Leo Carillo State Beach. Proceeds from the event support the Junior Lifeguard program at Leo Carillo State Beach. The event is capped at 100 competitors, and as of this writing there were already 42 entries. Click on the image above to register.
Pro Tip: Grab a campsite at Leo Carillo State Beach and make a complete weekend of the paddling event.
Action in the area
If you would like to get a preview of the area, I recommend dropping in at the Point Mugu Air Show at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu the weekend of March 18 – 19, 2023. For only the third time in airshow history, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be performing for the public at the same airshow.
For 77 years, the Blue Angels have showcased the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country for nearly 500 million fans. The Blues showcase the mainstay of modern Naval air power operating off U.S. aircraft carriers, the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet, along with the Marine Corps’ premiere logistics support aircraft, the C-130J.
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision, and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
As a Navy veteran and former naval air crewman, I’m partial to the Blue Angels, but both demonstration squadrons will put on an epic show!
The Point Mugu Air Show, Ventura County’s largest public event, is open to the public, and offering 2-show dates, March 18 – 19, 2023. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. Parking, admission, and blanket seating are free. Upgraded preferred seating options are available.
