This is the second annual Battle on the Bayou Canoe and Kayak Race. Everyone I've spoken with that participated last year said it was a WHOLE LOTTA FUN. I am not a huge fan of flat water paddling, nor do I like to race, but I do like to have fun. So I've signed up for this event and if it's even half as good as I've heard, it should be great! And if they have a category for women born in Cuba, over 55, wearing a red hat, and paddling an aqua colored sea kayak, I may even win something. Except I may not be wearing my red Chinese hat - I think it may slow me down.

FYI: Proceeds from the race benefit the conservation efforts of the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain.

Here's some information from their website:

THE COURSE

The Battle on the Bayou will take place on Old Fort Bayou (OFB), located in Ocean Springs, MS.  OFB begins in the Latimer area of Jackson County and meanders southwest growing wider and deeper till it empties into the Back Bay of Biloxi.  The race course runs roughly 9.5 miles over black-water bayou through estuarine marsh and maritime forest.  It will start at the Gulf Hills Resort grounds and conclude at The Shed and Camp Journey's End.    

This race is intended to be a fun event on the water for both competitive and recreational minded paddlers alike.  Fast paddlers will complete the race in under 2 hours.  Average recreational paddle time will be around 2-3+ hours.

There will be a minimal tide rise to our advantage at the time of the race (Note from editor - thank goodness for that!).  The down stream discharge will ultimately depend on local precipitation levels. 

Hope to see you all there!

ACA Red River Division: Texas State Meeting and Training Event

Everyone is invited – Hear/Discuss what the ACA is doing in Texas
Meetings, Demos and Lunch are all FREE – please register in advance
Updates and Skills Classes at special rates

(Click HERE for Event Flier)

Why:   Hear what our national organization is currently doing to support paddlers and promote paddling in our region. Voice your ideas on how the ACA can improve access and opportunities in our state. Share how you are willing to help make it happen.

Also:    Breakout discussion groups -- Topics include: Starting a division-wide traveling rendezvous; New ACA disciplines and how to get involved; Getting grants; Starting a state-wide Adaptive Paddling Workshop; Members networking forum; SEIC Policies, EEC and FA/CPR requirements

Register and make course payments on line http://www.cutteraquatics.com/eventschedule.asp

Saturday lunch provided by Austin Canoe and Kayak is FREE to all meeting participants who register in advance. A catered dinner will be available Saturday night at 6:30 PM for $15 per person.

Want more information?

Can you help? Volunteers are needed to help with meeting logistics.

Can you help teach a class or update? Instructors will be paid.

Contact Barb Cutter barb@cutteraquatics.com 817-354-6853