Race Description

Last year's races  were so successful  at Machete Flats Landing (even on a windy day), that I moved it there permanently. Come and have a blast! 

As at Russ Point, the Machete Flats course runs through some of the prettiest unspoiled marshes on the Eastern seaboard. It is, however, much narrower than the old course (maximum width of 100 yards) and provides much better protection from winds and waves.

Paddlers again have their choice of short (3.3 miles) or long (6.3 miles) courses on the scenic Harbor River, and several  of the fastest paddlers in the East are scheduled to attend. Both competition and courses are first class! 

Go to "Directions" and "Course Map" tabs for more race information.

Post Race Awards Ceremony and Raffle

 - The post race awards ceremony, get together and raffle take place at Brody's Bar and Grill on the way back to Beaufort.

- Prizes

      -Epic Kayak Paddle. Pick any model from the Epic website. Retail value is

approximately $525. Shipping included. 

      -ZRE Outrigger or SUP Paddle. Pick any model from the ZRE website. Retail value approximately $550. Shipping included.

      - $100 gift certificate and 2 performance hats from Tim Lovett at Higher Ground Outfitters

      - $50 gift certificate for a Technique Lesson from Andrew Surles at Southeast Paddle Sports.

BWSAR (Beaufort Water Search and Rescue) 

Net proceeds go to the BWSAR, which  provides both safety and support (buoy placement, leading the race). Without them, there would be no Paddlefest!

Know that the BWSAR is an all-weather, all-volunteer organization whose missions are to 1. help boaters  in distress and 2. conduct search and rescue missions to support the County Sheriff's Office, DNR, Coast Guard, and state and federal law agencies. Your contributions to the Paddlefest are going to a worthy cause!

Registration 

Fees -  Adult: $50 (Increases to $60 on Mon April 17, 2023). Youth: $20

Closes at noon, Thursday April 20, 2022

Other Good Things

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

Race Rules

- PFDs must be worn. Inflatable PFDs are OK, but also must be worn.

- No bare feet please. Paddling shoes or sneakers should be worn, because there may be oysters along the shoreline.

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

Classes

- Each class is broken down into Open (below 50), Master (50 to 64), Master (65 to 74) and Master (75+).

- Boat classes are primarily based on the Sound Rowers System (see below). Go SEPSeries.org to learn more about the system and/or see  a list of classes and boats.

Please contact me if you have a question about the class for your boat.