The Annual Beaufort Water Festival is officially underway. The Festival kicked off on Saturday with the Paddle Battle. The rain held off and 44 stalwart competitors left the safety of the parking lot at Battery Park Marina to launch their water craft, usually a kayak or paddle board, and head to the starting line. The races were for 3 miles and 6 miles and the wind was blowing “stink” (a technical sailing term meaning there was lots and lots of wind) so heading into the wind was going to be very challenging for everyone. The two-man kayak team definitely had a benefit here. But we are confident that with the 5 chase boats, all 44 participants made it back to shore in one piece.

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