Come join the Florida Competition Paddlers Association for our annual Silver Lake Race at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 16th, 2021.  This race has long and short course options and is open to all paddle craft.  The race is free, but participants must pay the parking fee at Silver Lake Campground. 

The race starts at the Silver Lake Campground, located immediately to the east of the I-95 bridge over the Withlacoochi River.  Long course participants will paddle downstream (NW) approximately 6.7 miles to round the 476 bridge in Nobleton and back for a total distance of 13.4 miles.  Short course competitors will also paddle downstream rounding the Hog Island Campground sign and back for a total distance of 6.5 miles.

This section of the Withlacoochi River is very scenic as it meanders through a cypress swamp.  Depending upon water conditions, logs and rocks are possible, so pop-up rudders are recommended.  This is a technical course with many turns and significant current, so only strong paddlers should attempt the long course.

Location: Silver Lake Campground (boat ramp): 31475 Silver Lake Rd Brooksville FL 34602

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: Robert Norman, robertnorman142@yahoo.com

The FCPA was formed in 1976 to coordinate and promote paddle sport 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.