GENERAL INFO
Welcome to the 28th Annual Key West Paddle Classic! As a Favorite Destination Race, we offer one of the largest paddle categories on the East Coast!
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 7TH
Join Florida Keys Watermans Company as we celebrate taking over as hosts of the Key West Paddle Classic! The event has a long history, originating in 1997 under the direction of Micheal O'Shaunessy, and is celebrating its 28th year in 2025! Lazy Dogs hosted the event from 2013-2024 and graciously passed the torch to us for this year!
If you have been a regular and racing the event for years, we thank you for coming back! If it is on your race ‘bucket’ list, well my friends, THIS IS YOUR YEAR!
Registration is now open via PaddleGuru. Expect nothing different! An affordable race, a challenging course, and great stories of our paddle experience together on the water!
RACE INFO - Follow us HERE for updates!
https://www.facebook.com/KeyWestClassic/
DATE: MAY 10, 2025
RACE PACKET PICKUP:
- Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club - May 9, 4-9pm. Enjoy a welcome drink, live music, and pre-race gathering.
- Dinner specials will be offered
- Day-of Pickup - 6am Higgs Beach
COURSE:
Starting point is at Higgs Beach direction of paddling is tide dependent and subject to change, Paddle South toward the Southernmost Point, through the Key West harbor, around the USCG base and under the Fleming Key Bridge. From here we cross the sailboat mooring field and paddle around Dredger's Key (Sigsbee) into Cow Key Channel which connects Key West and Stock Island. Exit Cow Key Channel back out at the front side and continue past Smather's Beach and White St. Pier to return to Higgs Beach for the finish.
RULES:
SUP Rules: 5 stroke max. applies
Drafting: Same Gender, Same Class Only
5 hours to complete race - Course will close at 2pm
*IF you (or someone on your team) must paddle on your knees please alert the timing team once you (or the last paddler if on a team) come across the finish line to disqualify yourself for any awards. Thank you for your playing fair! :)
AWARDS:
Race division/category must have at least 5 competitors to be considered for a podium finish. This also applies to gender. Awards will be held right after the race. Top 5 overall per craft division male and female will be recognized. Age brackets are for informational purposes only.
SAFETY:
- PFD is required by the USCG to compete in race
- Leash is recommended
- Paddlers responsible for supplying their own hydration
- Safety Boats will line the course at Start, Key West Harbor, Fleming, Cow Key, Smathers, White St./Higgs market with flags.
FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE - Please plan accordingly.
NEW: NOTICE FOR ALL TEAMS
(Relay Teams, 2-Man, 3-Man & 6-Man) All team members must sign up for the race.
PRICING:
Registering before May 7th: $89
Junior (Under 18): $25 Use discount code JUNIOR at checkout
Sunset 8:01 pm
EQUIPMENT
Looking to rent out your board or other paddle craft for the Key West Paddle Classic??
We do have a few paddlers looking for SUP race boards and an OC to rent - Please comment on our Equipment post if you have any gear you may have available and we will do our best to connect folks! THANK YOU!!!
VENDORS:
Come showcase your gear, swag, accessories and equipment!
Email info@saloonsurf.com to reserve our space.
HOTELS:
GRASSY FLATS RESORT AND BEACH CLUB - Use booking code KEYWESTPADDLECLASSIC for exclusive rates.
More hotel discount options coming soon!
SPONSORS
