GUSU Panhandle Stand-Up Paddleboard Race Series

GUSU Paddlesports is holding a race series from July 16 Through October 8. Four races, four miles long...4 different locations! A 1 mile race has also been added which makes for a great day on the water for everyone.

The 1st race took place on July 16th at North Light Marina in Niceville and it was a great way to start off the series. Congratulations to the overalll winner, Phil McDonald, and to everyone who participated.

The next race dates are August 20 at Liza Jackson Park, September 17 in front of Pompano Joe's on the Gulf, and October 8 on the Destin Harbor starting on the dock of Electric Cowboy.

Register online at Active.com Panhandle Stand Up Paddleboard Classic Race Series or call Matt or John at 850-650-7999 for more information.

Paddle On!

BOTE Paddleboarding Destin

For those looking to spice up their fishing experience or add some flare to their paddleboard, look no further than the new paddleboard designed by BOTE Paddleboards. The new business opened their doors in November 2010 and takes claim to the world’s first stand-up paddleboard built especially for anglers.

The design includes a leaning post with rod holders, a Yeti cooler with a seat cushion and bungee tie-down system on the front where you can put fish or tackle.

The BOTE boards aren’t just for fishing, though as all of the accessories are fully removable.

Contact BOTE Paddleboards today at http://www.BOTEBoard.com

Sonic 5000 SUP Race

Left to Right: Packet Casey (Jimmy Lewis) 3rd Place, Matt McDonald (Team GUSU)1st Place and Justin Cook (Team YOLO) 2nd Place.


Matt's broken paddle

The Sonic City 5000 Race took place in Fort Walton Beach, Fl this past Saturday. It was a 15 mile downwind race that turned into an endurance race in the middle of a downpour. The weather definitely didn’t cooperate, but due to strong determination and dedication from all participants it was a race we’ll all remember.

Matt McDonald, representing Team GUSU, actually broke his paddle at the first 5 miles but continued the next 10 miles to finish the race in 1st place. Matt travels all over to race and has more will to train than anyone I know. Due to Matt's paddle breaking his hands were really messed up, but the only thing he complained about was not having his paddle to continue his training on Monday getting ready for his next race. Matt is an awesome racer, and highly recommends the products he uses to others. We have an awesome paddle community here on the Emerald Coast and we highly recommend this sport to anyone and everyone who enjoys the water.

Matt McDonald (Team GUSU) placed 1st, Justin Cook (Team YOLO) placed 2nd, and Packet Casey (Jimmy Lewis) took 3rd.

Way to go guys.....Paddle On!

Sponsor a Destin Lifeguard for the 2010 National Lifeguard Championship

The 2010 USLA National Lifeguard Championship will be held August 5-7 at Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach, California. Destin Lifeguards assemble a team to compete in this championship each year, and they train very hard to make a name for our small town. This year Destin was chosen to host the Regional Championships which was to be held July 15-17. Due to unforeseen circumstances with the Oil leak threatening our gulf waters the competition was cancelled. Most of the businesses in the Destin area have seen a decrease in their profits over the last couple of months, so fundraising to support our lifeguards going to competition was put on hold.

Destin Lifeguards competed last week in relay races in Jacksonville, Florida, where they took 2nd place out of 17 teams. They actually placed 1st in 5 of the 7 relays so needless to say I think they are definitely ready to represent Destin in the National Championships.

Competitions can get rather costly when there is travel involved and the lifeguards pay for this on their own. They also train hard on their own time. Airfare, hotel, food, gas and misc. is needed for the trip to Huntington Beach. Some lifeguards will be able to fly, but some will have to drive so that they can get their equipment out there safely.

If you are interested in sponsoring a lifeguard to compete in the National Championships please give Beach Safety Chief, Joe D'Agostino, a call at 850-685-0408. Any donation is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing our Destin Team on Top.

Day 62 BP Oil Spill

It's hard to believe that we are at Day 62 and the oil is still leaking away in the Gulf. The media has ruined alot of travel plans for people wanting to visit the Gulf Coast, and many of the local businesses are feeling an impact from bad publicity. Yes there is oil in the Gulf, but the beaches in Destin, Florida are open and ready for business. They are just as beautiful as ever, and thanks to the media there is even more room on the beach to run and play and place your chair any place you want.

Please don't let the media keep you away from the place you've always vacationed. Pick up the phone and call local businesses to ask what's going on. I have read many tweets and facebook posts that are simply UNTRUE, so I encourage you to call and ask before you change your plans.

YOUTOPIA is one of our local shops in Destin, Florida that's selling BP SOB (Save Our Beaches) T-Shirts so get yours today at http://YoutopiaDestin.com or call 850-424-5047.

Destin Full Moon Paddle

Our monthly Full Moon Paddle's are the perfect place to be. We always have a great turn out, and it's just a nice time to hang out and visit with friends, and meet new ones. May's Full Moon Paddle took place on the Destin Harbor, and it just so happened that it fell on a Thursday night when the Emerald Grande was kicking off their Summer Fireworks Series. What an amazing night to paddle and watch the fireworks from the best seat in the house. It started off as a beautiful night, but shortly after we all got settled in a down pour came over us, and we were soaked in a matter of seconds. Oh well....no one left, we just decided to hit the water because if was actually warmer...lol! It lasted for a good 15 minutes, but then we were back in business. A beautiful rainbow appeared, we paddled, enjoyed the air show and watched a beautiful fireworks show on the water.

Life doesn't get much better than this, so stay posted or check out http://watermangulfcoast.com to find out more information about our next Full Moon Paddle.

Paddle On!

YOLO Race Series 2010

The 2nd Race of the YOLO Race Series took place today at Watercolor Baithouse. What a great place for a race! There was plenty of room for all of the racers, and a great viewing area for the rest of us Stand Up Paddle Fans. This is the 2nd year for the race series, and it has really grown due to the overwhelming popularity of this great sport. It's FUN....It's EASY, and most of all it's a great sport for the entire family.

Most of the teams are sponsored by local businesses, or just a great group of friends wanting to have some extra fun.

Here are the Race Standings after 2 Races:

Women's
1. On the Coast Magazine 38
2. Unbalanced 32
2. Kitty Hawk Kites 32
3. Salon Twist 29
4. Bentley's on the Bay 28
5. Four Play 27
6. SUP'per Club 24
7. Seaside Beach 23
8. Kitty Hawk Kites 22
9. Drift 19
10. iwdff YOLO Angels 18
11. Swantree Concierge 15
12. Independents 14
13. Group Therapy 13
14. Destin Real Estate Co. 10
15. 4 Non-Blondes 6

Men's
1. Grayton Beach Fitness 40
2. Billabong 36
3. Laser Awesome 32
4. Sandestin 29
5. R & L Outfitters 28
6. Tops'l 24
7. Destin Real Estate Co. 23
7. Gulf Coast Paddle Club 23
8. 360 Blue Properties 19
9. YOLO Jrs. 14

Elite
1. So Wal Lifeguard YOLO 40
2. GUSU 34
2. Sunset Beach Services 34
3. Boyer/Serrato/Nail 30

Good Luck Everyone on your next race and Paddle Hard!