Race Description

The Hunting Island Paddlefest is held on Ward Creek at Machete Flats Landing on the western border of the Park. The course runs through some of the prettiest unspoiled marshes on the Eastern seaboard and, at only100 yards wide, provides good protection from wind and waves. What's not to like!?

Paddlers have their choice of short (3.3 miles) or long (6.3 miles) courses on scenic Ward Creek and will be competing against some of the fastest paddlers in the East. Both competition and courses are first class! 

Race participation is capped at 50 because of parking limitations.

Race start - 10 AM. Saturday, April 12, 2025. For more race information - go to "Directions" and "Course Map" tabs.

 Fees -  Adult: $50. (Increases to $60 on April 7). Youth: $20.

T-shirts to all racers - All have white letters and  the famous Polynesian Paddling  Deity.  $10 each to buy extras.

Contact Information

Bill Gardner

Cell - 904-687-9585

E-mail - williamg50@aol.com

Registration 

Fees -  Adult: $50. Youth: $20.

Closes at noon, Thursday, April 10, 2025

Post Race Awards Ceremony

- The post race awards ceremony and get together will be at Brody's Bar and Grill, 47 Ferry Dr, Beaufort, SC. There will be free beer and chili to all racers!

Raffle

- Takes place at the post race meeting at Brody's bar and Grill. Extra tickets are $5.

- Prizes

      - $300 cash

      - $200 cash

      - $100 cash

Other Good Things

Gatorade, water, and snacks on site after the race.

Race Guidelines

- If you have questions, please contact me personally at the race (wearing a yellow fluorescent hat) .... or at 904-687-9585 ....or at williamg50@aol.com.

- Navigation questions are answered below in Directions and Course Map. 

- USCG Life Jackets (including Inflatables) must be worn.

- Entrants should attach their race numbers to the front of their life jackets or tape them to the left bow of their boat.

- No bare feet are allowed. Paddling shoes or sneakers must be worn, because there are oysters along the shoreline.

- To avoid congestion  after crossing the finish line, please proceed directly to the landing and remove your boat. 

- Race time is limited to two hours. A BWSAR boat will help you get "home" if necessary.

Classes

- Ages: Junior (15 to 17), Open, Master (50 to 64), Master (65 to 74), Master (75 to 79). Master (80+)

- Crafts:

HPK - High Performance Kayak. (ICF, Kayaks, and Surfskis)

FSK – Fast Sea Kayak. Minimum width at the 4 in waterline of 8.5% of length

SK - Sea Kayak – Minimum width at the 4 in waterline of 9.1% of length 

REC - Recreational

SUP - 14' 

SUP - 12' 6" or under (surf)

SUP-2

SUP-4

OC-1 - Outrigger Canoe 

OC-2- Outrigger Canoe

P1-Pedal

Prone

Go to SEPSeries.com to learn more details about the class system and/or see  a  list of classes and boats.