Weeks Bay Foundation Pelican Paddle Aug. 5

Weeks Bay Foundation Pelican Paddle Aug. 5

The Weeks Bay Foundation will host the 5th Annual Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race on Saturday, August 5, at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center on Highway 98 in Fairhope. For more information and to register, call 251-990-5004, or to register online, visit weeksbay.org. Advance registration will close August 4, at 4 p.m. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Pelican Paddle is a fun, family-oriented, 3.5-mile canoe and kayak race that’s open to all ages and skill levels. Plus, there’s a seven-mile pro option for the serious paddlers, and a non-competitive Eco-Tour of Weeks Bay, guided by Weeks Bay Foundation Executive Director Yael Girard. And this year, for the first time in its five-year history, Pelican Paddle will include live music, local beer, and local food trucks, for spectators and racers alike.
Advance registration for Pelican Paddle is $30 per paddler or $70 per family. Day-of-race registration is $35 per paddler and $85 per family. A family can include up to two adults and up to four minors under age 18.
Race divisions are: Men’s Kayak, Women’s Kayak, Junior Kayak, Pro Kayak, Tandem Craft, Non-Traditional (single canoes, pedal kayaks, etc.), and Stand Up Paddle Board. The Eco-Tour begins shortly after the racers take off.
The Eco-Tour winds its way through the salt marsh edges of Weeks Bay. It’s suitable for paddlers of all ages, and participants often see dolphins, Bald Eagles, and numerous shore birds. Stops will also be made along the way to discuss watersheds, estuaries, and flora and fauna.
Loaner gear will also be available but must be reserved in advance. Participants interested in borrowing gear must call the Foundation at 251-990-5004 before registering.