Rodolfo Petit
T
his year’s 5th Annual Paddle
at the Porch, presented and
organized by the Destin
Chamber of Commerce,
partners BOTE Boards and The Back Porch
Seafood & Oyster Bar, had a record turnout.
The day dawned with water like glass and
sunny skies. This event offers the area the
best showcase of Destin and of the SUP
community.
Over 135 paddlers enjoyed paddling on the
emerald green waters that Destin is so famous for. The
competition included: the 1 mile, 3 mile, 6 mile and relay divisions.
The event was kid-friendly as well, with the last race of the day being
reserved just for young paddlers.
Woofy Ramone with 99 Rock was on hand for emcee duties.
Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Chamber of
Commerce, said this year’s event stood out. “This is one of the best
years we’ve had,” he said. “With the sponsor participation and the
weather, you can’t ask for anything better.”
Local area businesses were on hand to
sponsor and support the race. The sponsors
for this year were:
Partners: BOTE Boards / BOTE Destin
and The Back Porch in Destin, Florida
Gold Sponsors: 99rock, Buffalo Rock
Company, Gulf Coast Beach Cams,
Okaloosa Heart & Vascular Center, Sky Pro
Imaging, VIP Destin Magazine
Accommodations Sponsors: Destin
Gulfgate, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties,
ResortQuest Gulf Coast, Southern Vacation Rentals, SummerPlace Inn
Silver Sponsor: First NBC Bank, GUSU Paddle and Surf
Bronze Sponsors: The Islander Resort in Destin, Florida, Life’s A
Beach
This event was funded in part by VISIT FLORIDA. For more
information on Paddle at the Porch and next years race on August 17,
2017, contact Bryce at 850.837.6241.
photos & story by
Dena Critch
Ryan Ares
Ken Whidden
54 | DestinMagazine.com
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