Race Information
Atten-hutt!!
A new year is upon us, soldiers. It's time to get your engine in tune for BATTLE! Come March 22nd, a flotilla of warriors will slap the brackish Waters of Old Fort Bayou with their paddles in a quest for glory. The sweat will pour like a waterfall. The screams of sore muscles will be deafening. Once you cross the finish line, the echoes of victory will ring eternal.
Enlist today!
2026 will mirror 2025
The 8-ish mile out and back, starting from, and finishing at Gulf Hills stays the same as last year (shortened to not go aroud the marsh island at the beginning/finish). The “Half the Battle” race is back for 2026. This 4 mile race will be fiercely competitive as it is every person for themselves, regardless of their boat classification. Canoes, kayaks and SUP’s will battle it out until the finish.
Custom Medals will be awarded at the Award Ceremony, which will be held at 12 noon. All racers should plan to be off the water by then. There is a $10 fee to cover those who are not ACA (American Canoe Association) members. If you are a member of the ACA, you will be prompted to enter your membership ID # and $10 will be discounted from your race fee.
- Saturday, March 21st registration and check-in will be available from 2pm to 7pm.
- No day of registration
- 3 hour time limit for both distances
- Participants with recreational craft are encouraged to register for the 4 mile distance
- Over class boats: All race finishers receive custom BOB race finisher medallions. Complete place awards will be presented to finishers in both the 8.5M Battle and 4M Half the Battle distances.
- Both the 8 and 4 mile are out and back races that begin together and end at Gulf Hills Resort. No shuttles needed
- Shirts are comfort fit tank tops for all participants.
- Burger Box will be available for the post race lunch
- From east or west on I-10, take MS Exit 50 and head south on Washington Ave for 2.3 miles
- Turn right onto Shore Drive (this is the last right turn before Washington Ave. Bridge)
- Take second left on Fairway Drive
- (For Hotel) Turn right onto Paso Road to reach Gulf Hills Hotel on your left
- (For Race Start/Finish) Turn left on Paso Road and make a slight right on S Shore Drive
Boat Classes
| Class Name | Length | Width | Gender | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1 Pool Toy | ≤ 10' | N/A | Dudes / Chicks | All builds & constructions |
| K1 Short | 10'1"- 12'6" | N/A | Dudes / Chicks | All builds & constructions |
| K1 Medium | 12'7" - 15'6" | ≥ 22" | Dudes / Chicks | All builds & constructions |
| K1 Long | 15'7" - 17'6" | ≥ 21" | Dudes / Chicks | All builds & constructions |
| K1 Fast | ≥ 17'7"' | ≥ 19.6" | Dudes / Chicks | All builds & constructions |
| K1 Race | Unlimited | ≤ 19.5" | Dudes / Chicks | See Below #1 |
| SUP Surf | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dudes / Chicks | Surf style shaped boards |
| SUP Race | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dudes / Chicks | Race style shaped boards |
| SUP Pedal | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dudes / Chicks | Hobie Pedal Boards |
| K1 Pedal | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dudes / Chicks | Solo Kayak Pedal Craft |
| K2 Rec | Unlimited | ≥ 22.1" | Mixed | Recreational Tandem Kayaks |
| K2 Race | Unlimited | ≤ 22" | Mixed | Racing Tandem Kayaks |
| K2 Pedal | Unlimited | Unlimited | Mixed | Tandem Kayak Pedal Craft |
| C1 Rec | ≤ 17'6" | ≥ 16% length | Dudes / Chicks | Recreational Solo Canoes |
| C1 Race | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dudes / Chicks | See Below #2 |
| C2 Rec | ≤ 17'6" | ≥ 16% length | Mixed | Recreational Tandem Canoes |
| C2 Race | Unlimited | Unlimited | Mixed | See Below #3 |
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1. (K1 Race) Skinny surf skis and Olympic K1 boats 2. (C1 Race) Solo Canoes that do not meet the Solo Rec class specifications 3. (C2 Race) Tandem Canoes that do not meet the Tandem Rec class specifications |
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