Saturday, September 17th
Grab a Paddle & You Can Battle. Second Annual ‘Paddle Battle at the Bay’ Race
Imagine spending your Saturday on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake with a little competition and a lot of fun thrown in. The second annual Paddle Battle at the Bay race begins at the Fairfield Bay Marina at 10 a.m. Sept. 17 and is open to racers of all skill levels. There’s races for everyone in the family, to include: a 3 and 5 mile competitive paddling race, plus a 1.5 mile fun paddle. Each race includes kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddle boards competing in four divisions: youth (13-17), adult (18-49), senior (50-64) and master (65 and over). Plenty to do for kids under 12, including: a kayak sprint (1/4 mile), plus watermelon relay and Bazooka Battle.
New This Year – expanded Stand Up Paddle Board
Tried SUP(stand up paddle boarding) yet? Well, we’re going to show you why you should! There’s so much more to SUP than just paddling. Fairfield Bay has two professional SUP exercise instructors coming to demo and showcase the latest exercise craze. Joanne Camp and Tammy Jo Griffith will show how to do Yoga, Pilates and exercises on SUP. Classes will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring your board, or rent one and take part!
A Full day of racing, eating and enjoying
There is something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind paddling festival. In addition to the races, enjoy the kayak yoga and stand-up paddle boarding demonstrations, kids kayaking, live music, good food (including a Fish Fry by John 3:16 men’s ministry), craft vendors and lots of family-friendly fun.
Registration and check in begins at 10 a.m., with race entries just $10, with proceeds to benefit the John 3:16 community support ministries. To register or learn more, visit VisitFairfieldBay.com/paddlebattle or call (501) 884-6030. Kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards will all be available to rent. Be sure to register and get your rental early. Awards will be given to all age groups with a unique paddle going to the first-place place winners in each category for each class and distance.
“Paddling is the hottest thing on the water, and we’re excited to bring it up a notch with the second Paddle Battle. If you have a paddle, you can battle,” said Roxie Bailey, Fairfield Bay Event Manager. There’s something for everyone who loves to paddle, whether you’re racing or just out having fun. This family event has activities to engage and delight all ages.”
Race categories for Kayaks and Canoes
• Three-mile – competitive
• Five-mile – competitive
• One-and-half-mile – recreational fun
Race categories for SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)
• Three-mile – competitive
• Five-mile – competitive
• One-and-half-mile – recreational fun
Race categories for kids 12 and under:
• Kayak sprint race (1/4 mile)
• Plus, more kid fun with a watermelon relay and Bazooka Battle!
Special thanks to all our sponsors. We could not have this inaugural event without them: Noacon, Ozark Resort Homes, Goodwin & Herman Real Estate, Brown & Brown Insurance, Regions Bank, Red River Boating Center, and Petit Jean Electric.
Arkansas’ Family Recreation Destination – Stay & Play for the Weekend
Why not stay for the weekend and get the most out of this family event?
Come early to race and then spend the weekend exploring and playing in Fairfield Bay.
• Hike Arkansas’ only mountain island trail,
• Swim, fish or cruise the clear water,
• Play championship golf and then try mini- and disc golf, too,
• Take a self-guided art galleries tour
For more information on vacation packages available, call a personal concierge to create a unique trip just for you at 501-884-4202.