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

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