Lee County race coming May 1

I love spring in Southwest Florida.

Waters begin to warm, the occasional storm front provides a few waves to surf, and there's enough light in the day that you can actually paddle after work. 

Now is the time to get on your board, work on your leg strength, hone your stroke mechanics and get in shape. Those may sound like marching orders, but with SUP, you don't realize you're getting an incredible workout until you've been on the water for three hours and you can barely crawl to your car. 

It's also a great time of year to focus on the racing season. 

To me, the Key West Paddleboard Classic is the top event in the state. I certainly haven't been to every paddleboard race in Florida. But I don't know that any location can top Key West: You start in the Atlantic Ocean, paddle south until the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico currents crash, get tossed around a bit, paddle the Florida Bay side, round the north end of the island, dodge a few oddly tall corals, and then head south again to Smathers Beach. 

It's just over 12 miles of oceanic furry, at least the 2010 version was. 

This year's Key West Classic takes place on May 14. My wife Marcie and I both plan to race for ourselves (www.swflstandup.com) as well as a few of our business partners and sponsors. 

Closer to home, Lee County is organizing a standup paddleboard race/festival on May 1 at Bunche Beach. Southwest Florida Standup is one of several local paddleboard companies sponsoring the event. 

The Bunche Beach area will be covered with demo tents, boards, paddles, life jackets (of course), paddlers and spectators. 

At least three races will be held that day -- a 3.5 mile course, a 1-mile course and a relay. 

Look for more information in future posts. Local companies and the county parks and recreation department are planning what promises to be a spectacular event. So no matter if you're 7 or 80, if you want to standup paddle -- or just check out the scene -- head to Bunche Beach on May 1.
If you'd like to go out with us sometime on a tour or get serious about fitness training and racing, e-mail me at chad@swflstandup.com. We can make it work. 

Peace.