The 4th annual Paddle at the Porch was held August 15, 2015, at 9am behind The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House in Destin. More than 100 racers competed in the one, three and six mile events, as well as a kids’ fun race, and a $6000 cash purse was divided among the top racers.
Racers age 6-72 arrived to the gorgeous white sands and emerald waters behind the back porch from nine states, including two racers from Great Britain. Excitement was in the air despite storm clouds in the distance and a red flag flying on the beach. Participators in the six mile race were the first in the water,they entered with minimal difficulty quickly heading to their first marker and began paddling back and forth through the large swells in front of The Back Porch to complete a six mile course. Five minutes later three mile racers waited at the starting line, the whistle sounded for them just as a set of waves crashed on shore throwing boards and racers into the air,making it difficult to get past the break,but eventually all made it to their first marker and began paddling to complete a three mile course. The event concluded with a one mile race and kids’ fun race. Throughout the morning the water offered little mercy to the racers, it was a challenge for the very young as well as the more experienced and talented. Spectators on the beach were in awe as all the racers displayed amazing stamina, ability, and even courage to navigate the rough surf. It truly was an amazing race.
The cash purse of $6000 was shared by Kieran Grant of Winter Park, Fl and Kimberly Barnes of Hobe Sound, Fl, each winning $1500 for setting the best times in the male and female divisions of the Six Mile 12’6” Elite Race. Second place finishers Conner Bonham of Fleming Island, Fl and Katherine Pyne of Bradenton, Fl each won $1000 and third place finishers Abraham Wilson of Gulf Breeze, Fl and Bernadette Leach of Miramar Beach, Fl each won $500. Paddle at the Porch not only offered cash prizes to the best racers, but a portion proceeds from the event helped to benefit Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization that builds or modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage free, to veterans and their families. All of this was made possible by generous sponsors in our area including, Destin Commons, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Okaloosa Heart & Vascular and The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Paddle at the Porch was a great success and enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. Everyone is busy making plans for next year’s race which will take place August 13, 2016. Plan to Paddle at the Porch.
