Annual Paddle and Pedal Regatta sets sail Saturday

The Paddle and Pedal Regatta wraps up with a barbecue lunch. A $5 donation is suggested. Photo by Jill Torkelson

The community is invited to participate in the 8th annual Paddle and Pedal Regatta on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. at Indian Beach. This is a free event and registration is not required.

Hosted by the Canyon Lake Fitness and Triathlon Club, the Paddle and Pedal Regatta features a non-competitive cruise of the East Bay, a “Race to the Buoy” and a barbecue.

Following a group photo at 10 a.m., participants will navigate on paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, or other non-motorized vessels to the East Port Park launch ramp and back to Indian Beach. Open water swimmers are also invited to complete some or all of the approximately two-mile round trip course.

Participants will be required to sign a waiver and have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Participants under the age of 13 must wear the lifejacket.

There will be an optional “Race to the Buoy” at 12 p.m. with medals for the top three youth and adult finishers, followed by a raffle and barbecue lunch. A donation of $5 is suggested for the lunch. Raffle tickets cost $1 each or 10 for $5.

The proceeds from the barbecue and raffle will benefit Kamali’i Foster Family Agency’s Independent Living Program. The program provides foster youth ages 15 to 20 with skills to emancipate out of the foster care system successfully.

The Triathlon and Fitness Club promotes healthy lifestyles through swimming, cycling, running and other cross-training activities. In addition to group training activities, the annual 5K/10K Fun Run, Tour de Canyon Lake, Turkey Trot and Paddle and Pedal Regatta are among the community events the club hosts. Annual club dues are $30 for individuals and $40 for families. Membership is not required to participate in the Paddle and Pedal Regatta. For more information, visit canyonlaketriathlonclub.com or e-mail canyonlaketriclub@gmail.com.