The fifth annual Battle of the Bay is a family-friendly event that allows serious (and not-so-serious) paddlers the chance to race canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards while raising money for the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, a nonprofit that works with lawyers to provide free civil legal services to low-income citizens. The 2012 event received rave reviews despite the rainstorm that doused most of the racers. The 2013, 2014, and 2015 events were even more successful than the first. This year's annual Battle of the Bay is scheduled on Saturday, April 30th behind the BLUEGILL Restaurant and you're invited to participate in this popular event.
The morning begins with a 1 mile canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fun paddle at 8am. Boats launch next to the restaurant and line up at the starting line next to the Bluegill’s dock. An Alabama Supreme Court Justice blows the starting horn to signal the start of the race. Next up the canoe relay division adds to the excitement as a team of four competes to win (4 paddlers per team and each team completing two 1-mile loops). Rental boats are available.
Spectators crowd the Bluegill’s deck to cheer on their favorite paddlers. Children enjoy fun activities while DJ Dr. Feelgood plays music, adults enjoy beverages sponsored by a local coffee shop and local brewery and the Bluegill serves a delicious shrimp and grits brunch. The top three boats in each boat category in the one mile fun paddle and the top three teams in the canoe division will win prizes.
Registration details can be found on www.savlp.org/fundraisers
