Race with a Purpose
Enjoy a day on the water June 17 by participating in Paddle the May, a paddle race event hosted by Stand and Paddle by Fusion Fit.
The event, which begins from Bluffton Oyster Factory Park on the May River, is three distances: a 1-mile fun paddle, a short course (3.5 miles), and long course (9 miles).
The event welcomes various paddle craft including SUP (stand up paddle boards), prone, kayak, surfski, OC (outrigger canoe) and pedal crafts.
Proceeds will go to Bluffton Youth Theatre, which is founded and run by one of Fusion Fit’s members.
Rachel Cantore, owner of Stand and Paddle by Fusion Fit, has been in the fitness and wellness industry for more than 15 years. She said her desire to put on a paddle battle/race in Bluffton came from her interest and attraction to SUP, paddle races she’s been and the paddle community she’s connected with.
“The races I’ve been to have welcomed paddlers of all ages and experiences and really bring together community. I want to bring that awareness and passion to Bluffton while also showing people just how amazing and wonderful our waterways are to paddle on,” she said.
The event’s goal is to “expose, empower and change the lives of as many people as possible through SUP,” she said.
“Getting people active, outdoors and having fun is important,” Cantore said. “Why not do it through SUP? I have worked with kids and teens both in SUP and gymnastics. I find youth love being on the water and outdoors. There are so many physical and mental benefits to SUP and life lessons that carry over into our lives and lifestyle beyond the water. From facing fear and discomfort, trying something new, having fun and being playful, to practice consistency and discipline if you want to master and excel in SUP.”
Registration is open through June 16. Register at paddleguru.com/races/paddlethemay.
More information is available at www.standandpaddle.com/paddle-the-may, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/standandpaddle.
