HOBIE TREASURE ISLAND OCEAN PADDLING SERIES LAUNCHED FOR 2005
Inaugural Hobie Ocean Paddling Series announced June 12, July 4th, August 21
Treasure Island, FL (May 25, 2005) – The first annual Hobie Treasure Island Ocean Paddling Series was announced today by Harry Black of the Island Inn Beach Resort located in Treasure Island, Florida. This new ocean paddling series will allow novice paddlers to experts the opportunity to enjoy the fun of being on the water in the company of fellow paddlers with a little competitive spirit mixed in for excitement. The events on June 12 and August 21 will be held at the Island Inn Beach Resort. The July 4th event will be held at the Treasure Island Municipal Beach and run by the Treasure Island Rotary Club. The June and August events will offer two different courses in order to provide enjoyment for all skill levels and age groups. The longer course will consist of a 10-mile loop and the shorter course will be approximately 4 miles. Competition will be offered in multiple classes of watercraft such as Sea Kayaks, Sit on Top Kayaks, Outrigger Canoes, Surfskis and Paddle Boards. For 2005 the June 12 and August 21 events will not require an entry fee to encourage participation from the entire family. In addition the Island Inn Beach Resort will offer a 30% discount for any paddlers who participate in either of these races. Free demonstrations and clinics will be offered immediately following all of the races.
Hobie Becomes Title Sponsor of Treasure Island Ocean Paddling Series
Hobie Cat Company (hobiecat.com) the world famous catamaran sailing company launched this new series with the title sponsorship. The company has a long history of leadership in the production of day sail catamarans and is supporting this event to showcase their other water products: Hobie Kayaks, Hobie Sunglasses and Hobie Apparel. Dan Mangus of Hobie, commented, “We are very excited to support this inaugural event in Treasure Island. The organizers mission is to develop a high quality ocean series for paddlers of all skill levels with an emphasis on fun for the entire family. This was a perfect match for Hobie as our mission for over 55 years has been to provide safe family fun on the water.”
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Hobie Treasure Island Ocean Paddling Series
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Event Details - 2005 Hobie Treaure Island Ocean Paddling Series
The June and August events will start at 10 am on the beach at the Island Inn Beach Resort located at 9980 Gulf Boulevard. Parking is available at the resort and registration will be the day of the event from 8:30 – 9:30. Weather conditions on the day of the event will dictate the actual layout of the courses. The courses will generally consist of out and backs or a series of loops. The race on July 4th will be held in conjunction with the annual Round Treasure Island Race run by the Treasure Island Rotary Club at the TI Municipal Beach. This event will require an entry fee and has a starting time of 9 am.
An Overall Series Winner will be awarded in each watercraft division at the end of the series. You must have competed in all three events to be eligible for these awards. The official divisions will consist of: Sea Kayaks, Sit on Top Kayaks, Outrigger Canoe Single (OC1), Outrigger Canoe Double (OC2), Surfski and Paddleboards. This series will be held under the auspices of the Florida Canoe Paddling Association, which will provide technical support.
Family activities, watercraft demonstrations and free clinics will be offered at all of the events. If you have ever considered paddling as a form of recreation or wondered what it would be like to paddle a canoe with an outrigger or sit on one of those skinny Surfskis this is a terrific opportunity to test one out.
Additional Expert Support
This event is also supported by experts in the water sports industry such as Epic Kayaks (epickayaks.com), Hurricane Outrigger Canoes (crazypaddlers.com), The Moorings (moorings.com), Grand Expeditions International (grandex.com), Crazypaddlers (crazypaddlers.com), Kialoa Paddles (crazypaddlers.com) and support from Architectural Windows and Entries (architecturalwindows.com), Jean Larroux of Caldwell Banker, Bill Brannum and Daryn Smith. This event would not be possible without the support of the Florida Canoe Paddling Association.
_________________ Matt Miller Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales Warranty and Technical Support Hobie Cat USA (Retired 11/7/2022)
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