I hadn't visited the Florida panhandle until last weekend and my first time couldn't have been better. Michelle Feits has created a can't-miss event on the white sands of the Emerald Coast. This thin strip of land bordering the Gulf Coast is the perfect tourist destination and it lives up to it's name. The sunlight's blue wavelengths penetrating the shallow coastal waters combined with the yellow wavelengths reflecting upward off the fine quartz sand gives off an emerald green color to the eye of the perceiver. It's Florida's most relaxing place, perfect for Maryland's chillest paddleboarder

Michelle has poured her heart, soul and creative mind into making the weekend an experience paddlers talk about long after and insist their friends also attend. Along with the assistance of her local community, she successfully executed one of the most unique races on the calendar.

2026 marked the 5th anniversary of this ever so popular event. The beneficiary is the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center which is dedicated to protecting the magnificent creatures and their habitats. It was a must for me to support and participate in the competition because the center works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate my spirit animal.

All crafts and ages were invited to partake in the Classic which offered 1, 3, 6 and 12 mile courses along with a very cool paddleboard jousting event on day one. The fun continued with technical and relay races with mixed crafts comprising each team for even more thrills on day two. Starts began from the beach for SUP in the distance and technical races. Both included buoy turns near the Navarre Beach Causeway in the current of the Santa Rosa Sound. A beach turn was included in the tech race, a challenging aspect I always enjoy. I earned a top ten finish in the 6 mile and my team came together nicely to snag second in the relay.

There was much to see and do throughout the weekend for everyone who came from every state stretching from South Carolina to Texas. I can't thank Janis Marie enough for taking in this weary traveler and treating me to her southern hospitality. I reunited with members of my extended paddle family which I hadn't seem for some time and we bonded over the memories we were experiencing live. We're all very grateful to the help and support of all the volunteers and sponsors. For without you, there are no such events. Shout out to Andy D's on Navarre Beach for hosting the post race festivities. Try your best to make it here next year everyone!