CALUSA CLASSIC AND CALUSA DASH RACES ANNOUNCED

A new competition for paddlers announced by Canoe & Kayak magazine is expected to draw Olympic-caliber athletes and other skilled competitors to Southwest Florida waters this fall. The competition will include two races – one for the elite racers and the second designed for recreational paddlers – during the annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival, which is Nov. 3-6 on the Sanibel Causeway. More than 150 kayakers, outriggers and Stand-Up Paddlers are expected to participate in the Nov. 5-6 events. Non-competitors will be able to view the race from a spectator boat. Click here for more details or go to www.calusaclassic.com.

PADDLING FESTIVAL FILM EVENT PLANNED

The Canoe & Kayak Mag Film Fest Night will be Friday, Nov. 4, It’s a new evening entertainment event for our festival and will happen at one of our signature lodging partner sites, Residence Inn by Marriott Sanibel Gateway. Join us under the stars on a lush lawn for this autumn event in paradise. Check with us in July for details on timing and admission. In the meantime, check out the prospective lineup from C&K Mag Publisher Jim Marsh, who will emcee the evening event. Click here.

CALLING SUPers ONE AND ALL

Stand-Up Paddleboard racers can compete in Sunday, Nov. 6, Calusa Dash, but that’s not all that’s set at the festival for them. SUPers here are dubbing Friday, Nov. 4, activities at the Causeway an “SUP Bash.” On both the Friday and Sunday of the festival, you’ll be able to hear knowledgeable speakers and see demos on topics such as flatwater surfing, SUP racing, board design, paddle fitness, SUP fishing and more.

BLUEGRASS FOR A BLUEWAY RETURNS TO PINE ISLAND

Bluegrass for a Blueway and A Taste of Matlacha will return for the 2011 festival. This popular event at Matlacha Park offers kayaking in gentle waters complemented by live bluegrass under shady trees. Local restaurants and the Matlacha Civic Association collaborate to bring you A Taste of Matlacha, with proceeds benefiting the Pine Island Food Pantry. It’s a true community event. This year it coincides with the annual Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament, which has its digital weigh-in and awards ceremony in the park the same afternoon. Click here to see the flier.

SEND US YOUR SNAPSHOTS

We’re welcoming summer by launching our 2011 Positive Paddling Photos campaign. Whether you paddle here on the Calusa Blueway or up north, we want to see you grinning in your yak, canoe or SUP. Before Friday, July 15, send us your snapshot and you may be selected to be featured on our festival Facebook page. Email images to dfender@leegov.com by the 15th. In the meantime, fan us on Facebook at Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival.

FIND US

Stay tuned at www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com
Fan us on Facebook (Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival)
Follow us on Twitter (calusapaddle)

NEXT ISSUE

Check out the on-water class offerings and our speaker line up

How to navigate this year’s festival: The wristband that gets you the whole enchilada

Where to stay: Signature lodging partners, camping options and more

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