 |
9th Annual Salt Springs Classic Kayak/SUP Race & Fun Paddle |
 |
Watercraft drop-off beginning at 1:00 pm
Registration beginning at 1:30 pm
Captain's meeting at 2:30 pm
Start at 3:00 pm
Register On-LineThe Nature Coast's premier kayak competition featuring a river and open-water course - for kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). The course will end at Gill Dawg Marina to join in with the Pasco Paddlepalooza festivities.
Kayak racers will paddle 5-1/2 miles from the scenic lagoons and inlets of Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park through the open Gulf of Mexico waters and up the Pithlachascotee River to Jasmine Park, circle a buoy, then paddle downstream to finish at Gill Dawg Marina at Miller's Bayou. Intermediate and expert kayakers are invited to test their skills against some of the best racers - with the record for the course being just under 48 minutes.
SUP racers and fun paddlers will have a shorter 3-1/4 mile course taking them directly to the finish line at Gill Dawg Marina.
Allow time to check in and fill out a liability release form before the captain's meeting. Awards will be given to the 1st three finishers in four classes; kayaks over 15 feet, kayaks under 15 feet, tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Our awards are custom-made wooden paddles.
Novice paddlers, or those who just enjoy paddling, are invited to try the "fun paddle" class. No awards or T-shirt ... just a lot of enjoyment on the water - and the satisfaction of saying you completed the course. (Fun paddlers who want a T-shirt may purchase one while supplies last.)
Each race participant (not fun paddlers) will receive a free Paddlepalooza/Salt Springs Classic T-shirt commemorating the race. Entry fee includes transportation from Gill Dawg's to the launch point before the race start for all paddlers, including fun paddlers.
The entry fee for the race is $30 for a single-person kayak or SUP, $50 for a tandem ($25 per person). Fun paddlers pay $15.00 per person.
Advance registration is highly recommended, and may be paid by PayPal or credit card. Click HERE to register on-line. Walk-up registrations on the day of the race must pay by cash. If you have additional questions about the race, send an email to cso.saltsprings@gmail.com
If you are a dedicated paddler, and want to make a weekend of it, be sure to check out the Pasco Paddlepalooza website for complete details of other events happening over the weekend.