The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 9 at the yacht club on Choctawhatchee Bay. A series of races for all skill levels and ages begins at 9 a.m.
Participants can choose between the 5-mile elite or 1-mile recreational course, as well as a three-person team relay race. A 1-mile youth race will also be offered. A stand-up paddleboard jousting tournament will top it all off. Awards will be offered in various categories for each event, including best costume for jousting competitors.
A post-race celebration with food, beverages and live music will be held on-site following the races. In addition, a prize drawing will be held for a 12-foot Starboard “Atlas” donated by Dog House Surf Shop. Tickets are on sale now for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20; the winner doesn't have to be present.
Registration fees are $30 for each race entry and $20 for the youth race. Fees include an event T-shirt and goody bag for each racer as well as the post-race celebration. Advance registration and prize drawing tickets are both available at www.eventsatcovenant.org/paddle or in person at Covenant Hospice’s Fort Walton Beach office, 220 Eglin Parkway NE. Day-of-event registration fees increase by $10.
All proceeds support Covenant Hospice’s special programs in Okaloosa and Walton counties. These include bereavement services for adults and children who have experienced a loss, chaplain services, specialized programs for veterans and indigent patient care.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Yacht club hosts Paddle for the Promise to benefit Covenant Hospice