Paddleboard and self-propelled watercraft enthusiasts are to circumnavigate the continental United States’ southernmost island during the 12-mile Key West Paddleboard Classic. The sporting challenge and its associated events, including a performance clinic and parties, are set for Thursday through Sunday, May 9-12.
The race around Key West is scheduled Saturday, May 11, and is open to paddlers on standup paddleboards, prone boards, outrigger canoes, dory boats, surf skis and kayaks. The 2013 race is presented by Lazy Dog Adventures of Key West.
Saturday’s racing action kicks off with a 7 a.m. registration and expo opening. A 9 a.m. racers’ meeting precedes the 9:30 a.m. water start from Key West’s Higgs Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean at 1000 Atlantic Blvd.
The course takes competitors past island landmarks such as the Southernmost Point marker, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Mallory Square, site of Key West’s nightly sunset celebration. Upon completing their circumnavigation of the island, racers finish at Higgs Beach.
Paddlers preferring a shorter course can compete in a four-mile open race scheduled at 10 a.m.
An awards celebration hosted by the Turtle Kraals Restaurant & Bar is planned at Key West’s Lands End Village, located at the foot of Margaret Street in the Historic Seaport. Highlights include acknowledgement of the top finishers, awards presentations, prize drawings for all participants, live music, food and drink.
Other weekend activities include a 5-7 p.m. meet-and-greet May 9 at Lazy Dog at Hurricane Hole Marina, 5130 U.S. Highway 1, and a standup paddleboard clinic set for 1-4 p.m. May 10 at Higgs Beach followed by a 5-8 p.m. kick-off party and packet pickup at the Turtle Kraals.
The classic is to conclude Sunday, May 12, with a Higgs Beach day featuring a kids’ SUP clinic and race, adult sprint races and a lively paddleboard relay for four-person teams.
Sanctioned by the World Paddle Association, the Key West Paddleboard Classic is a WPA Southeast Region national points race.