Morro Bay Triathalon adds SUP option in place of swim

[supdiscobay]

Another indication that stand up paddle racing is hitting the main stream.
Are there other triathalons that have done across the country?

http://www.morrobaytri.com/

[RATbeachrider]

That is ridiculous! What's next, roller skates instead of biking or running!

[pdxmike]

I think there may have been one in the NW a while ago.  It may be partly a sign that standup is getting mainstream, but more of a sign of just how much most triathletes hate swimming.  I know a bunch that finally gave up swimming altogether and just do duathlons now.  Plus, they're gear freaks, so it gives them a whole new category to research and spend money on.  Swimming doesn't do it for them because even though wetsuits and goggles are involved, you can't get them in carbon. 

[Zooport]

That is ridiculous! What's next, roller skates instead of biking or running!

How about Barcalounger racing instead of the running?  I'm in for that.

[SeaMe]

Substitute the swim portion with
Kayak Or Stand up Paddle Boarding
If you don’t swim or you’re a kayaking/stand up paddle board fiend you can substitute the swim portion of the triathlon with a paddle. The course tours Morro Bay in clockwise direction, course and turns are clearly marked with buoys. The paddle starts and ends at Mothers Beach.

Ocean sit-on-tops, touring kayaks, surf skis, and stand up paddle boards are all welcome.

The paddle option will be divided between Kayaks and SUP
The Kayak course is 3 miles.
The SUP course is 1.6 miles.

You will be in a separate category from the other triathletes if you choose the paddle option.

I think that it's an option that they're adding to try to get back the participants who gave up tris because of dislike for the swimming portion. Those who paddle instead of swim are in a separate results category, so it's like having two different races. They can call it a "triathlon" but  the Olympics and Ironman have strict definitions of the format so I don't expect  paddling to become part of an official format in the near future, but I can see nationwide race organizers adopting it if it means more registrants (i.e. money).