It’s that time of year again, where it seems like almost every weekend there’s an international SUP race happening somewhere in the world. Last week it was Peru, next week it’s Patagonia, but this weekend all eyes will be on Sayulita, Mexico for the Punta Sayulita Classic.

Plenty of familiar international names will be battling local guns such as Fernando Stalla and Ryan Helm in the races, while there will also be an appearance by ocean legend Gerry Lopez.

Think of it as a smaller version of the Battle of the Paddle, except instead of being all serious and hardcore, this event has a totally laid back, party atmosphere happening all weekend. Wish we were there…

The SUP racing action kicks off on Saturday with the Elite Race, while the “Punta a Punta” Distance Race and “Fun Race” are happening on Sunday.

Despite a whole stack of international paddlers heading South of the border, I’m going to pick Sayulita local Ryan Helm to take out the Distance Race. Ryan, who grew up surfing in Florida and is one of the fittest paddlers you’ll ever meet, has been in fine form the past few months. Ryan will also be up there in the Elite Race, though I’m picking his fellow Sayulita local Fernando Stalla to be a strong contender there.

But the action on the water is only half the story at the Punta Sayulita event. Considering the awesome location and after seeing how much fun Team Mexico were at the ISA Worlds, I can only assume this will be one of the funnest events of 2013. Wish we were there…

Though we’ll still have report coming in direct from Sayulita all weekend, so stick around on SUPracer.com to follow all the action from the 2013 Punta Sayulita Classic.