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Contestants compete during a paddleboard race on Lake Norman.
Stand Up for Fun Lake Norman experiences
its first WPA-sanctioned paddleboard race this month
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It’s no secret that the popularity of paddleboarding has grown exponentially over the years. No one knows that better than Rob Bennett, owner of My Aloha Paddle & Surf, Inc. in Cornelius and Mooresville. Dating back to 2011, Bennett and his business have been holding paddleboard races on Lake Norman for charity. One year a race raised more than $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity. However, those were all non-sanctioned races. This month on May 10, the stakes go up a notch, as My Aloha Paddle and Surf, Inc. hosts Stand Up for the Catawba Lake Norman SUP Race. “This year’s race is a regional World
lake norman currents | May 2014 | www.lncurrents.com
Paddle Association race [WPA Region 6 Race],” explains Bennett, adding that WPA sanctions the race. “This event is the first of its kind at Lake Norman.” What that means is that contestants will be officially timed. Bennett expects participants to be a 70/30 mix of residents and visitors respectively. The race includes two events: the Elite Race is six miles, while the Recreational Race is three miles. Both races begin at Port City Club in Cornelius. Rentals are offered on a first-come, first served basis. Festivities begin Friday, May 9 with a Meet and Greet at Port City Club. Participants and their families can see
a night paddling demonstration with Nocqua LED lighting systems. On Saturday morning, it’s race time. Once the races are complete, there will be a Lake Norman Luau, complete with a performance by the Island Hula Girls. All proceeds from the event benefit the Catawba Riverkeeper and the Charlotte Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit environmental organization focused on the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches. “It’s going to be a fun event,” says Bennett. “I think it will be a great thing for the lake. I also think it could be a great annual event.” — Lori K. Tate, photography courtesy of Rob Bennett
THE SCOOP Stand Up for the Catawba Lake Norman SUP Race. May 9 – pre-race reception 6-9 p.m.; May 10 – registration begins at 7 a.m.; 8 a.m. pre-race meeting; 11 a.m. awards ceremony on the beach. Port City Club, 18665 Harborside Road, Cornelius. For more information, visit www.standuplkn.com.