After racing 26.5 miles around Manhattan in the SEA Paddle NYC charity event, the 2011 defending champions came out victorious. For the second year in a row, Rob Rojas and Annabel Anderson won Friday's SEA Paddle NYC Elite Race.

The SEA Paddle NYC event, now in its sixth year, focuses on raising money and awareness for autism through participant fundraising and donations. Teams and individuals participating in the SEA Paddle NYC Elite Race fundraise upwards of $1000 to benefit multiple autism charities and Surfers' Environmental Alliance (SEA).

"SEA Paddle NYC is an incredible cause and Surfers' Environmental Alliance put on an amazing event," said Rob Rojas. "I'm happy to regain my title and am impressed with Annabel regaining hers," Rojas said.

One of the biggest charity race events in the industry, SEA Paddle NYC has attracted the top names in SUP and the field of competition continues to grow with the event. This year, nearly 100 competitors participated in the Elite Race and faced extreme conditions as temperatures soared into the high 80's.

"This was probably one of the most difficult races I've done," said Rojas. "It posed many challenges with the head wind, high temperatures and humidity; around mile 13 it got tough and became a total mind game," he explained.

Despite the challenging racing conditions, participants had a fun weekend in the Big Apple, complete with post-paddle festivities. After the paddle was the Dos Equis Beach Party, held along the East River with a beer garden and music. Following the Beach Party was the annual White Water Evening, a party that featured a silent auction, an awards ceremony, drinks and dancing with attendees dressed in all white. "The White Water Evening is always a good time- it's a crazy, fun and classy event," Rojas said, “and it was just a great weekend in the city.” - SC