Island Trip for Hurricane Gustav

[DISCLAIMER: No clients were on this trip so we did things a little differently. No one got hurt during this adventure trip, and overall everyone had a good time. Those are the important things.]

On Sunday, August 31, 2008 a group of seven of us (3 guys; 4 ladies) tried to surf an island (name withheld) in Florida for some Hurricane Gustav waves.

The main surf break in the area when the surf gets this big had over 100 surfers there, so we tried a nearby pass break. The warning sign posted at the boat landing across from the island gave lots of different warnings regarding alligators, sharks, currents, and ended with “No Rescue Possible.” (pic) No joke.

We only had one boat, so part of our group paid another boat to drop them off at the surf break in the pass at Crooked Island about 4 miles away. The plan was for the rest of the group to follow behind in our boat. The motor would not start on our boat, and we didn’t have any way to contact the first group. I called my brother who happened to be in Mexico Beach for the weekend. He agreed to pick up the first group in his boat via the Gulf of Mexico route and take them back to his marina through the pass at Mexico Beach.  The first group later drove back to the boat landing to make another attempt at reaching the island.

Being without a boat, we decided to paddle straight across to the island and hike to the surf. Part of the group went right, instead of left, around a swamp and were not able to make it to the surf. They had to backtrack to the car. The three of us that went left (including me) made it across the island and surfed until it got dark. The surf was head high and building fast but it was getting dark. We walked back the beach route  and one person hitched a ride to the car and returned for the group.

One of the cars broke down on the dirt road leading back to the group at the beach. Somehow we were able to get a tow truck on a holiday weekend to come help us in the middle of the woods.

Crazy times.

---

YOLO Stand Up Paddle Race #4 Report

Once again, we had magnificent weather for the race last night. The wind was light providing smooth waters across the Destin Harbor. Competitors paddled against a swift outgoing tide from the harbor to the East Pass bridge and then were helped by the same current for their return trip. Times were fast with most competitors making the turn marker in about two minutes and returning in about a minute and a half. Team Yololitas finished strong for the victory in the first heat. In the men’s heat, Aqua Surf Shop prevailed and now sits atop the overall series standings. The fifth and final race of the series will be September 18th at Seaside. This last race will be held in the Gulf waters. This should up the ante and provide an opportunity for the teams with wave experience to shine. The last race will be wrapped up with a reception and awards party at Bud and Allie’s. See you there!

---

YOLO Stand Up Paddle Race #3 Report

The YOLO Board Stand Up Paddle Board Race Series continued last night with another great race. Watercolors provided a beautiful setting. The boat house and dock made water entry and transition staging a breeze. Excellent racing was complemented by another spectacular sunset and full moon rising.

Also rising was the level of competition. All of the competitors are looking more polished as we work our way through the series. Heat one action included all the ladies teams and the jr. lifeguards. Several teams had last minute recruiting going on along the docks as a few team members were unable to attend. This found the Jr. Lifeguard team supplemented with two first time racing adults Allison and Phil. Kitty Hawk Kites also found a last minute recruit. Thanks for answering the call to fill in! The heat one results were:

1–Yolo Ladies

2–Jr. Lifeguards

3–Walton Wahines

4–Yololitas

5–Waterbabes

6–Kitty Hawk Kites

Heat two included all the Men’s teams. The racing started off with a bang as all the teams took off fast. One team broke out in front and kept it up for a commanding finish. Team Aqua came across the line at 15:34, a comfortable 30 seconds ahead of Yolo Men. Third place went to Team RYNO. At 16:20, Team Surfrider (also now known as “team we weren’t last”) just edged out Sunset Beach Services, only one second separated the two teams. The racing was rounded out by team Amavida at 18:06 and Team Kitty Hawk Kites at 18:37. It should be noted that Kitty Hawk kites recruited three of their four members on the docks just before the event. Thanks again to the folks that were willing to jump in!

1–Aqua

2–Yolo

3–RYNO

4–Surfrider

5–Sunset Beach Services

6–Amavida

7–Kitty Hawk Kites

---

Stand Up Paddle Race #3

It’s time to stand up once again for the Yolo Board Paddle board race series.

CALLING ALL WATERMEN AND RACE SPECTATORS!
The four-member teams will compete in three heats as race paddlers vie for the champion title “YOLO Board Cup Series” to be awarded after the final race in September. One time race entry fee is $150 per team. Free signature race series t-shirts for each team member. YOLO boards will be provided for use at each racevevent. Additional race divisions will include individual men’s, individual women’s and parent/child to name a few. Come out and support our local beach community and be a part of the fastest growing recreational water sport in the world!

For event details including race locations, visit www.yoloboard.com or contact Madra McDonald at 850.376.7386 or madra@M-PublicRelations.com. All events are free and open to the public.

July 17 • July 31 • August 14 • August 28 • September 18

Download the flyer here (.pdf).

Race # 3 is scheduled for this Thursday in Watercolors, just off hwy. 30-A. 

The map is here.  Racers will gather near the boathouse and marina prior to the 6:00 start time. See you there!

---

Stand Up Paddle Instructional Video

---

Stand Up For Our Oceans Race #1 Photos

Photo Credits: Madra (www.M-PublicRelations.com)

---