Sure, relaxing on a beach, with nothing more to worry about than whether or not you put on sunscreen, can be nice. But, it can be just as much fun to try something totally different: the Great Russian River Race.

When your friends talk about their weekends up in wine country, you can brag that you got to enjoy the scenery, wine, and take part in the first-ever Russian River kayak, canoe and surfski race too. 

The Great Russian River Race on May 7 is just a short drive away in Healdsburg is the first of its kind in our nearby river vacation destination. World-class kayakers and canoe-ers will compete over the 15-mile course. But, if that sounds a little daunting, take a paddle in the two-man, casual, 5-mile division instead. 

Prizes, food, music, and, of course, wine on the beach afterwards -- reward yourself. Or, you could take your wine tour before, but that might be a different kind of race.