Join the Florida Competition Paddlers Association for our annual Wekiva River Race in Sanford Florida on Saturday, May 8, 2021.  This race has long and short course options and is open to all paddle craft.  The race itself is free, but participants will have to pay a small park admission fee. 

Registration begins at 9:00 am at Katie’s Landing in the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.  The race will start promptly at 10:00 am.  Short course racers will head downstream to a turnaround and back to the start for a total distance of approximately 5 miles.  Long course racers will continue downstream to the St Johns River and back for a total distance of approximately 12 miles. 

The Wekiva is one of only two rivers in the state of Florida recognized as an “outstanding wild and scenic river.”  Manatee, alligator and bald eagle sightings are likely.  The first (and last) mile of the course is shallow with vegetation, but as you proceed north, the river transitions to a narrow and winding stream, lined with trees.  There is a significant current and unseen under water obstructions are possible.  The area around the confluence with Blackwater Creek can be confusing so studying the route and/or a navigational GPS is a good idea.  A detailed map is available at    http://www.wekivawildandscenicriversystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Paddle-WekivaMap-Brochure1.pdf.

Katy’s Landing is part of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park.  The park has a commercial outfitter, rest rooms and a canoe/kayak launch.  There is a small admission fee.  More info is available at https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Lower-Wekiva-River.

Location of Race: Katie’s Landing, 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford, FL 32771.

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: Bob Waters, bob@bustedrudder.com

The FCPA was formed in 1976 to coordinate and promote paddle sport racing in Florida.  The FCPA hosts approximately fourteen free recreational events 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 events 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 Event) 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.