It’s time to start building for Battle of the Paddles
The annual Battle of the Paddles is quickly approaching and now is the time to draft plans for constructing a boat. In years past, more than two dozen vessels participated. Some designs raced with the grace of a schooner while others sank like stones, but win or lose, a good time was had by participants and spectators alike.
As in previous years, the battle will take place in the Monroe Canal in St. James City and is sponsored by Woody’s Waterside Restaurant. It will take place on Saturday, May 16, to benefit the Pine Island Little League.
“This is one of the few fund-raisers for the island Little League and I feel it is important to support them,” said Eric Zeisloft, owner of Woody’s. “Little League is the only organized sport offered to the kids here on the island and we are going to offer more incentives this year to encourage people to participate. Last year we had 17 adult participants and this year it is our goal to bring that number up to 30 or more.”
Registration for participation has begun and a special incentive will be offered to those signing up before the end of the month.
“The registration fee for adults this year will be $50, but those registering before April 30 will get all of the materials needed to build a boat for the race provided by us for free,” said Zeisloft.
Zeisloft said that Woody’s will either have the materials needed to construct boats on hand for participants to pick up or he will provide a gift card so that materials can be purchased at an area hardware store.
“Another incentive we are offering this year will be a larger cash prize for the winner of the races,” Zeisloft said. “This year the boat that crosses the final finish line first will receive $1,000 in cash.”
For children who would like to participate, the entry will be free. In addition, Zeisloft also said that he will be approaching area businesses and organizations to sponsor the cost of building boats for the kids. All of the children who participate in the battle will receive a race T-shirt and a certificate and the grand prize winner will receive a trophy.
All of the racing boats are custom designed and constructed using a strict guide line for materials.
The rules for constructing a boat that is eligible to compete in the Battle of the Paddles follows:
1 – 4 x 8 sheet of 1/4-inch plywood
2 – 8-foot 2x4s
1 pound of fasteners, which can be nails, screw, staples, etc.
1 roll of duct tape
The materials also include paddles that will be used on the day of the race and any boat builder using anything other than the required materials or uses more than the allotted amount can be disqualified by the judges the day of the race.
To register a boat and racer or for more information, stop in at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City or call Woody’s at 283-5555.