The Wild Buffalo Race is an all-small craft relay race within the SoCal Ocean Racing winter series. The race includes all small craft divisions with relay teams of 2-4 people (depending on the craft) or select solo divisions. The race runs from Avalon, Catalina Island, CA, to the Newport Aquatic Center in Newport Beach, CA. This is a 32 mile course.
Each Paddler must register for this event. That means every person from every team needs to login and register to race by March 13, 2026. If we need to open up registration for you to register, a $100 late fee will be applied.
Event Dates: April 10, 2026 – April 12, 2026
“Baby Buffalo” Short Course: April 11, 2026
2026 Baby Buffalo Race Fee: $70
Channel Crossing: April 12, 2026
2026 Race Fee: $160
– New 2026 lowered race fee pricing
– Race Cap: Due to the significant growth of this race, we are implementing a cap on the number of TEAMS and IRON entries for Sunday’s Crossing. The limit is set at 90 TEAMS/IRON entries, which also means a limit of 90 escort boats. If you have any questions regarding the race cap, please contact Safety 1 directly. He’s a peach.
– The Avalon Barge: If you book individually through the Avalon Barge, please do not expect our team to be able to pick it up for you and deliver it in Catalina – our trailers will be full. We’ll have to pick it up with a golf-cart, and that’s kinda tough.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
For Iron Division: All Iron Racers are required to have an escort boat.
Iron Divisions: Please see our Iron Division Qualifications below and email us for pre-qualification.
Relay Divisions: Relay teams do not need to pre-qualify and are required to have an escort boat.
$185 Race Fee
The last day to register with a guaranteed jersey size: February 1, 2026
Registration Closes: March 13, 2026
Registration House:
The Registration House address is
211 Clarissa Ave
Avalon Barge:
There is an option this year to put your canoe on the barge going over to Avalon. It will be $75 a team and can be locked in during your registration.
All Paddlers are responsible for finding their own escort boat.
The Puakea Team will be giving priority to helping out-of-country racers first, then followed by out-out-state. If you need assistance with an escort boat, please make sure your whole team is registered (each paddler on your team needs to sign in and register on paddleguru), and then please email Kelly at Kelly@puakeadesigns.com to be added to our list. This list does not guarantee your team an escort boat.
All Paddlers are responsible for their own transport to Avalon.
Catalina Flyer out of Newport Harbor, Catalina Express out of Dana Point or Long Beach.
Drop-offs: Drop-offs for the Avalon Barge will be at the Newport Aquatic Center anytime before April 5, 2026.
Refunds:
We completely understand that LIFE HAPPENS and sometimes plans change. With that said, unless it is extraordinary circumstances, any race cancellations within 72 hours of Friday, April 5 will be refunded minus a $50 fee.
IRON Division Qualifications:
REQUIREMENTS FOR IRON RACE (with required escort boat):
- Competed in a race of this distance iron, ie: Molokai Solo
- OR has done WBR Iron before, however race committee has the right to deny past finishers if needed.
- AND can currently paddle 11 miles in under 2 hours in open ocean
- AND in good health
PRE-QUALIFICATION: In order to race, pre-qualification is required before registering. Pre-qualify by either:
Email WBR for pre-approval based on your experience. Describe your experience including big open ocean races you’ve done, your times, and if possible, contact info for your coach as a reference.
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