Come join the Florida Competition Paddlers Association for the fourth running of the Ocklawaha River Race on Saturday, September 12, 2020.  The race has 5 and 10-mile options and is open to all paddle craft.  This race is free, but participants must pay the park’s day use fee ($5).

The race starts at Gore’s Landing which is located approximately 18 miles NE of Ocala.  Racers will paddle upstream (south) to round a turning mark and then back downstream to finish where they started.

The park itself is quite large and open so we will have little problem conducting a safe, socially distant event.  The river itself is a bit narrow, so we will do staggered starts by boat type as needed.  We are asking all participants to print and fill out the FCPA entry form prior to arrival at Gore’s Landing.

Without a doubt, this is the most pristine and beautiful section of the Ocklawaha.  The river is narrow, winding and completely undeveloped as it cuts through the Ocala National Forrest.  The water is generally deep with steady current (1+ mph) but there are numerous underwater obstructions.  Boats with flip up rudders are ideal for this race because fixed under hull fins and rudders are prone to damage.  Paddlers will not see a single dock or house but will see lots of wildlife.  There are wild monkeys in the area so keep a watch on the trees.

Gore’s Landing is maintained by Marion County and charges a day user fee of $5 per vehicle.  There is a restroom, plenty of parking and primitive camping is permitted.  It is recommended that you bring a picnic lunch for after the race, because the closest restaurant is about 15 miles away in Silver Springs.  Additional info can be found at: http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/40/663

Note – This area is VERY remote and cell coverage is limited.  Bring your bug spray!

Location: Gore’s Landing: 13798 NE 98th St, Ft McCoy FL 32134

Registration: All competitors must register on-site 9-9:45am.  Online preregistration via PaddleGuru or Facebook is appreciated and will help us anticipate the number of participants. 

Race Start: 10:00 am

All Competitors MUST also check in with the timer at the completion of the race, to make sure that your finish has been recorded.   

POC: Mark Nye, mark.c.nye@comcast.net

The FCPA was formed in 1976 to coordinate and promote the sport of canoe and kayak racing in Florida.  The FCPA hosts approximately fourteen free recreational races across the state of Florida each year.  To be eligible for the annual points championship, you must be an FCPA member which costs $10 annually.  FCPA members receive a free meal at the awards banquet and a monthly email newsletter which contains a race schedule, race results, articles written by members and member classified ads.

FCPA races are very high-stake affairs, with ribbons awarded to winners in each division.  Annual points champions are awarded a coveted T-shirt during the annual meeting/awards banquet (following the Silver Springs Race) in December.  Divisions are established using the USCA age/gender designations and the following boat classifications:

Boat Classifications

Paddle with your hands – Prone

Paddle while standing – Paddleboard (SUP)

Paddle while sitting:

With two-blade paddle – Kayak (K)

With single-blade paddle – Canoe (C)

Outrigger or Highkneel Canoe – Unlimited Canoe (OC)

USCA Age Classes

Junior (J) - <18

Open (O) – 18-39

Master (M) – 40-49

Senior (S) - 50-59

Veteran 1 (V1) - 60-64

Veteran 2 (V2) - 65-69

Grand Veteran 1 (GV1) - 70-74

Grand Veteran 2 (GV2) - 75-79

Grandmaster Veteran (GM) - 80+

NOTE – All participants are responsible for carrying safety equipment required by law.