Planning for next year

[stoneaxe]

Limited vacation time and resources has me picking and choosing what events (racing/distance) I'd like to try and attend next year. Ideally I'd like to manage to get to a couple at least. Not counting those that are within relatively easy driving distance (400 miles or so of Mass. I'll attend these anyway). What events have you folks been too...what has the highest stoke level, level of participation, zone members, etc? Suggestions where board rental/availability is possible would be best considering the airlines take on boards.