by Shayne Benowitz

Captain Westy competing in the Paddleboard Classic

Captain Westy competing in the Paddleboard Classic

This weekend marks the 12th Annual Key West Paddleboard Classic 12 mile race around the island. This year Fury Water Adventures is the core sponsor with Captain Westy heading up the organization. Last year he competed for the first time and finished strong in second place for the Men’s Stand-Up Paddleboard division. This year, he hopes to see more locals competing and there has even been talk of a Fury relay team.

Key West's dragon boat team joining the fun

Key West’s dragon boat team joining the fun

The event has grown every year with competitors traveling from all over Florida to paddle around our picturesque island. Often times they represent lifeguard stations from nearby beaches. Many forms of paddling will be represented including kayaks, stand-up boards, and even Key West’s own dragon boat team.

The event is this Saturday May 9 with registration beginning at 9am with a $25 entry fee. The race begins at Smathers Beach and winds its way past Fort Zach towards Mallory Square and around Cow Key Channel. It’s a great event to follow, so come out and support these marathon paddlers. We hope to see records broken and our Fury crewmembers represent strongly! See you at the race.

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer working on her debut novel. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

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Last Updated 08/03/2023