Sonic City 5000

First off we’d like to thank Liquid Surf & Sail for bringing back the Sonic City 5000 Race. The 1st one was back in 2010, and after all the hype we asked if they would please bring it back. It only took seconds for Bobby & Rhys to say ‘OK….let’s do it’, and within a few months it was race time. We have so many new people in the sport and we were all wanting something new and exciting on the race circuit.

This weekend’s Sonic City 5000 Race was epic! It all started on Friday as we waited on the final decision of which way the race should run. East or West? The East won, so we would all be on our way Saturday morning to meet in Navarre and paddle to Fort Walton Beach. Saturday morning we were all stoked for this race and couldn’t wait to hit the water. In route to Navarre the weather turned gnarly with lots of rain and wind. Would the race go on or would we be enjoying breakfast with our friends in a nice dry IHOP’s some place? To drive up to the race site and see everyone else loaded and ready just affirms how dedicated our SUP family is and how much we were all determined that ‘the Race MUST go on’. Sitting in our cars waiting on a decision and reading FB posts that maybe we should cancel and reschedule was not helping with all the race jitters amongst us. Should we stay or should we go?

Once there was a break, all boards were unloaded and that was the fastest I’ve ever seen people get in the water so we could get this paddle started….BAM….we were off! With South winds our goal was to get to the other side as quick as we could. Needless to say…some made it to the other side, and some didn’t. No big deal…as everyone’s biggest goal was just to FINISH! I can say first hand that the first 5 miles were the most BRUTAL, and I think most would agree. However the last 10 miles had it’s up and downs also….strong side winds, angry waters, rain, thunder, calm water and REPEAT! That’s right…it was a roller coaster of a ride, but well worth it in the end. As a matter of fact some of the relay teams have already said they are in for the entire 15 next year…whoop…whoop

The after party was at The Boardroom Pub & Grub, and just being able to settle down with a nice cold brew from Shipyard Brewing Co, and some good food while listening to all of the SUP talk was definitely a treat. Of course everyone was tired, but the excitement after a race like that had everyone pumped up and in a great mood…..so there was plenty of SUP talk going on and plenty of high fives!


I may be a little bias, but the racing scene in Florida is made up of the best group of people I know, and the strength, determination and love of this sport grows more every day. It’s truly a gift seeing people accomplish their goals and get excited when they do or even just to be there to cheer each other on. The love we all have for the water is pretty amazing and that’s the one thing we all have in common.

Thanks again Liquid Surf & Sail for an amazing race….this one will definitely be talk of the town and we look forward to next years race!