Battle on the Blueway event set for Crescent Beach Family Park

FORT MYERS ‒ The fourth annual Battle on the Blueway returns June 9 to Crescent Beach Family Park, 1100 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. The Battle on the Blueway is a competitive race event for paddling enthusiasts and includes competitive events for standup paddleboarders (SUPs) as well as kayaks, outrigger canoes and surf skis.

The event is part of the Fastest in Florida and Paddle League race series as well as a World Paddle Association Region 5 sanctioned points race that will include 7-mile and 2-mile races, sprints, a free Calusa Kids Race and a Special Olympics Fun Race. More than 120 paddlers from Southwest Florida, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, and the U.S. attended the 2016 race. The 2017 race was canceled due to weather.

The event is free for spectators, who can see the races from the beach or the pier at Lynn Hall Park. This year, Battle on the Blueway organizers hope to attract even more local participants and spectators. All non-motorized vessels are welcome. There will be a demonstration and vendor area for those who wish to try out a paddleboard or surfski.

Pre-registration is required for racers. There will not be an opportunity to register the day of the event. Race entries are $45 to $55. After June 5, the entry fee will increase to $55 to $65. There will be a fee to park at the beach. All proceeds from the Battle on the Blueway will benefit Special Olympics Florida - Lee County SUP Team.

For event information, call Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Mike Hammond at 239-707-7981 or 239-533-7275.

Schedule Highlights:

June 8 - pre-race event at Point Ybel Brewing Company
June 9 - racers’ meetings in the morning. Race start times range from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Awards ceremonies follow lunch. An after-party at Pete's Time Out.