26th Annual Key West Paddle Classic
When: September 29 - September 30, 2023
Where: Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
The Key West Paddle Classic is an annual event that takes place on September 30, 2023. It is considered a favorite destination race and boasts one of the largest paddle categories on the East Coast. The course begins at Higgs Beach and paddles south towards the Southernmost Point, through the Key West harbor, around the USCG base, and under the Fleming Key Bridge. The racers then cross the sailboat mooring field, paddle around Dredger's Key (Sigsbee), and enter Cow Key Channel which connects Key West and Stock Island. Exiting Cow Key Channel, they paddle past Smather's Beach and White St. Pier before returning to Higgs Beach for the finish. The race has a 5 stroke maximum for SUP rules, same gender and class drafting only, and racers have 5 hours to complete the course. This event promises more fun in one day than most people have all year!
