Join Anchored Soul for our 4th annual “Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie” in Belmont, NC! Whether you are a seasoned paddler or a fun-lovin’ newbie, we have something for you. Lake Wylie is a great place to enjoy a summer day on the water! Beginners can participate in a 1-mile fun race and the advanced paddler can take it up a notch in the 3.5-, 7- or 14-mile distance courses. There’s also a Guppies race and a SUP Pup Cup race for your human babies and fur babies, respectively. All 1–, 3.5-, 7- & 14-mile race registrations include t-shirt, meal ticket, drink ticket & concert access. Race proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations including Carolina Waterfowl Rescue & Lucky Labs Rescue. Race T-shirt is ONLY GUARANTEED if you register by Sunday, July 23rd, 2023! A popular energetic 80s Tribute Band, Kids in America, will perform from 1:00-4:00pm.
No Equipment, No Problem! Anchored Soul will be available to assist with all your equipment needs. Never been on a paddle board before and would like to try it out, contact Heidi Schmidt Cole, certified SUP Instructor and owner of Anchored Soul to schedule a lesson.
The Friday night registration pick-up party is from 6:00-9:00pm with live music, food and beer. Join your fellow paddlers and the City of Belmont at Primal Brewery - Belmont for our epic pre-race party. The City of Belmont is covering the cost of food and one beverage for each paddler. Family of paddlers are welcome as always, but they will be responsible to cover the cost of their food and beverages.
*Drop your equipment off at the Gaston County Wildlife Club on Friday evening where we have hired an off-duty police officer to stay overnight and keep watch on all equipment. We know the pain and suffering that comes along with having your craft stolen when traveling for an event. So, it is our hope that we can help provide some peace in knowing that your belongings are safe and secure when enjoying the festivities planned for this weekend festival. Laissez les bon temps rouler!!!
Southeast Paddle Sport Championship Series
The Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie is part of the SEP series. Follow the link to see all of this racing season's competitions.
Southern Stoke Paddle Series
The Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie is part of the Southern Stoke Paddle Series. Follow the link to see all of this racing season's competitions.
Race Categories, Divisions & Where To Stay
14-mile Pro Race - $80.00 registration fee - This race is for advanced paddlers. The top 3 finishers in each division will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
7-mile Long Race - $70.00 registration fee - This race is for advanced paddlers. The top 3 finishers in each division will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
3.5-mile Short Race - $60.00 registration fee - This race is for intermediate/advanced paddlers. The top 3 finishers in each division will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
1-mile Fun Race - $50.00 registration fee - New to the sport of paddling and would like to join in on the fun?! No fear, our 1-mile fun paddle is just for you! Join other newbies on the water and showcase your spirit for fun and adventure! The top 3 finishers in each division will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
Guppies Race - $25.00 registration fee - This race is open for children 15 and under who have a passion for paddling and would like to showcase their skills on the water during this event. Registration includes a meal ticket and a race day t-shirt. The top 3 finishers will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
SUP Pup Cup - $10.00 registration fee - Does your four-legged best friend love joining you on your paddle adventures?! Well, enter you and your fur-baby in our SUP Pup Cup and see if you can work together to be the first to cross the finish line. The top 3 finishers will be awarded during the awards ceremony.
Hula Hoop SUP Challenge - free - Did you enjoy hula hooping as a child? Well, here's your chance to really show off your skills in our Hula Hoop SUP Challenge. The first competitor to hula hoop continuously for 8 seconds straight will when the prize.
Equipment Rental - $20.00
Race Divisions:
Cash Purse Categories (in addition to division 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards, checks mailed out after the event):
*Please note that there must be 5 participants in category to qualify for the cash prize.
WHERE TO STAY
Everyone who is traveling out for the Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie and in need of a place to stay, here are the group booking links at a few local hotels in Belmont, NC.
The links for booking online have expired. However, you can contact the hotel directly and request the group discount for the event.
Hampton Inn & Suites - Charlotte-Belmont -
Home 2 Suites - Belmont, NC -
Fairfield Inn - Belmont, NC -
Holiday Inn in Mt. Holly / Belmont -
Looking for a local campground?! Check out Ebenezer Park and McDowell Nature Preserve.
Proceeds
Race proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations including Catawba Riverkeeper, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, Gaston County Jaycees and a few local animal rescues.
After-party