Return to Goat Island
June 18 - June 19, 2016 @ Snow Hill, Maryland, United States
GENERAL INFO
NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION. REG CLOSES AT 4pm JUNE 17th. There are quite a few adjectives which can be used to aptly describe the sport of paddling boarding- some of the most obvious being fun, joy, even aloha (for those bringing the Hawaiian spirit to the East Coast)- but as anyone involved in the sport will tell you, the primary way to describe it will and forever be... community!
It isn't so much about who wins or who loses- rather, it's about bringing people together to experience a beautiful outdoor activity, share in the struggle and triumph of the course, and the feeling of exaltation once you and your fellow racers cross the finish line. It is very much a shared experience, blurring the lines between age and skill level. Ask any racer and they will tell you it is the welcoming atmosphere surrounding each race which becomes imprinted on their minds- sprouting motivation to train harder, go longer, and push their fellow racers through their previously unforeseen limits. We are all involved in this beautiful sport not only to help ourselves but to also help those around us as well. And because of these attributes, the sport of paddle boarding often stands alone as unique.
With that being said, we at Walk on Water hope to continue this tradition with our first ever "Return to Goat Island" Paddle Sports Festival. Located in downtown Snow Hill the "Return to Goat Island" SUP race is celebration of the paddling lifestyle. Which means we are open to all forms of paddling: SUP, prone, kayak and OC-1. On Saturday, races will consist of a short distance/kids race (one lap around Goat Island), a 3 mile open race, and a 6 mile elite race. On Sunday we test ourselves, pushing our limits during a 17 mile race with multiple classes- solo, 2 person and 4 person teams. All racers have a chance at winning $5,000 in cash prizes and also a chance to win a Goat!!
However, the fun does not stop there! Throughout the weekend we will be including a party-like atmosphere for those not wanting to paddle but still wanting to enjoy a great weekend outside! Featuring live music, great food, fun for the entire family and even discounted rates at the camp grounds located in close proximity to the race area. The first 25 registered racers receive a free camping package at the group camp site. The two camping locations near the race event are located at Shad Landing and Milburn Landing (more information posted below) As you can see, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend with friends and family!
I know what you're thinking. Sounds great! I'm in! But...why is it called "Return to Goat Island?"
Fair question. Well, this is where things get interesting. The island situated at the center of the Pocomoke River, which is the location for the race, is home to one or two lonely goats. They're often seen running freely through flower spotted fields, wind flowing through their locks, as they stare up at the sky and let out a loud "meeh"- or you know, whatever noise goats make. It's kind of like that... except not. Really they just lay around all day and chew their food forever. But that is why they need some new blood on the island- shake things up! Inject some youth! They need a new friend!!
And that is where you come in. Winners of the Goat Island race have the honor of winning their very own goat, naming it, and letting it live on the island with the other goats currently inhabiting it! Now that is a prize worth mentioning! Just make sure you give him a good name. You know, don't name the goat..."Goat." Let's all collectively rule that one out now. Be creative! He's the one that has to live with it!
So come join us for a fun-filled weekend of paddling and outdoor activities on the beautiful shores of the Pocomoke River. Let us grow together as a community and share in the moments in life that matter.
It isn't so much about who wins or who loses- rather, it's about bringing people together to experience a beautiful outdoor activity, share in the struggle and triumph of the course, and the feeling of exaltation once you and your fellow racers cross the finish line. It is very much a shared experience, blurring the lines between age and skill level. Ask any racer and they will tell you it is the welcoming atmosphere surrounding each race which becomes imprinted on their minds- sprouting motivation to train harder, go longer, and push their fellow racers through their previously unforeseen limits. We are all involved in this beautiful sport not only to help ourselves but to also help those around us as well. And because of these attributes, the sport of paddle boarding often stands alone as unique.
With that being said, we at Walk on Water hope to continue this tradition with our first ever "Return to Goat Island" Paddle Sports Festival. Located in downtown Snow Hill the "Return to Goat Island" SUP race is celebration of the paddling lifestyle. Which means we are open to all forms of paddling: SUP, prone, kayak and OC-1. On Saturday, races will consist of a short distance/kids race (one lap around Goat Island), a 3 mile open race, and a 6 mile elite race. On Sunday we test ourselves, pushing our limits during a 17 mile race with multiple classes- solo, 2 person and 4 person teams. All racers have a chance at winning $5,000 in cash prizes and also a chance to win a Goat!!
However, the fun does not stop there! Throughout the weekend we will be including a party-like atmosphere for those not wanting to paddle but still wanting to enjoy a great weekend outside! Featuring live music, great food, fun for the entire family and even discounted rates at the camp grounds located in close proximity to the race area. The first 25 registered racers receive a free camping package at the group camp site. The two camping locations near the race event are located at Shad Landing and Milburn Landing (more information posted below) As you can see, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy a beautiful weekend with friends and family!
I know what you're thinking. Sounds great! I'm in! But...why is it called "Return to Goat Island?"
Fair question. Well, this is where things get interesting. The island situated at the center of the Pocomoke River, which is the location for the race, is home to one or two lonely goats. They're often seen running freely through flower spotted fields, wind flowing through their locks, as they stare up at the sky and let out a loud "meeh"- or you know, whatever noise goats make. It's kind of like that... except not. Really they just lay around all day and chew their food forever. But that is why they need some new blood on the island- shake things up! Inject some youth! They need a new friend!!
And that is where you come in. Winners of the Goat Island race have the honor of winning their very own goat, naming it, and letting it live on the island with the other goats currently inhabiting it! Now that is a prize worth mentioning! Just make sure you give him a good name. You know, don't name the goat..."Goat." Let's all collectively rule that one out now. Be creative! He's the one that has to live with it!
So come join us for a fun-filled weekend of paddling and outdoor activities on the beautiful shores of the Pocomoke River. Let us grow together as a community and share in the moments in life that matter.