Held at Navarre Beach Marine Park, on the Sound side of the beach, the event is open to a wide range of skill levels and watercraft and features races for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other human-powered vessels.
“The Navarre Paddle Classic is an event centered around paddle racing, which is a sport a lot of people may not know even exists,” said Michelle Feits, race director. “The Navarre Paddle Classic provides the opportunity for seasoned paddlers of multiple types of paddle craft to compete as well as a welcoming and supportive environment for first-time racers to participate, all while supporting local conservation efforts.”
The expanded two-day event will also feature some first-time races such as a SUP technical course and a multi-discipline relay featuring surfski, outrigger canoe, prone paddleboard and stand-up paddleboard competitors.
There are also four racing distances participants can choose from. These include a 1-mile course, 3-mile course, 6-mile course and 12-mile course. The event is also part of the USA SUP Regional Series, allowing eligible competitors to earn ranking points.
While the competitions are the main facet of the event, the weekend will also include vendors, food, raffles and family-friendly activities. The organizer’s goal is to create a festival like atmosphere on Navarre Beach.
Over the years, the event has drawn participation from outside the state of Florida, making Navarre Beach a destination for outdoor recreation.
“We’re so happy to see how this event has grown over the years and are so thankful for all the local and paddle community support. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another fantastic event,” Feits said.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, which seeks to conserve sea turtles and other marine life through public education. Registration for the 2026 Navarre Paddle Classic is still open. For more information, visit navarrepaddleclassic.com.
