New Paddler Day

It’s FREE! Come try out paddling with no strings attached — if you're ages 14 and older, there’s a seat in the boat for you! The NBP Paddling Program uses dragon boats, outrigger canoes, kayaks and more. Whether you’re interested in recreational paddling or you want to be competitive, we have a place for you — and we want to continue building our all-cancer-survivors and our NBP Veterans dragon boat teams... and our new under-18-division boat! We provide the life jackets and paddles, so bring your sense of adventure and teamwork! You’ll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation. Tickets aren't needed, but we prefer you RSVP at the link under "tickets." See you here! Reserve your spot here today!

NBP Paddling Classic

The NBP Paddling Program welcomes all paddlers to join us in the inaugural NBP Paddling Classic at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida! We’ll set up Champion small boats from the recent 2022 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships for 200m and 500m racing. This is a perfect opportunity to compete on a world-class course, the home of the 2023 USDBF Club Crew National Championships, and, of course, have fun! Food trucks  with food and beverages for purchase. You can also bring your own beverages. Tents will be offered for rental or you may bring your own 10x10. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW. Newly added is a U18 division! Registration By December 31, 2022: $120 per crew per division (pre-registration is required; cash-only payment on-site). After December 31, 2022: $220 per crew per division *Registrations end on January 22. Any requests after the deadline are on a case-by-case basis and will be $320 per crew per division Register Here Teams from states across the country have already registered and shown interest, please pass the word along, as we are excited to welcome you from wherever your team is based!

NBP Paddling Classic

The NBP Paddling Program welcomes all paddlers to join us in the inaugural NBP Paddling Classic at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida! We’ll set up Champion small boats from the recent 2022 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships for 200m and 500m racing. This is a perfect opportunity to compete on a world-class course, the home of the 2023 USDBF Club Crew National Championships, and, of course, have fun! Food trucks  with food and beverages for purchase. You can also bring your own beverages. Tents will be offered for rental or you may bring your own 10x10. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW. Newly added is a U18 division! Registration By December 31, 2022: $120 per crew per division (pre-registration is required; cash-only payment on-site). After December 31, 2022: $220 per crew per division *Registrations end on January 22. Any requests after the deadline are on a case-by-case basis and will be $320 per crew per division Register Here Teams from states across the country have already registered and shown interest, please pass the word along, as we are excited to welcome you from wherever your team is based!

SUP & Run 5K

Three great races, world-class venue, awesome shirts, custom 4" finisher medals, CHALLENGE coins, great prizes, spectacular post-race party with the libation lounge, SIP & RUM, yummy food, live DJ & MORE!

2023 ACA Sprint Canoe National Championships

Hundreds of paddlers from across the country are coming to NBP to compete in the American Canoe Association (ACA) Sprint Canoe National Championships. Come watch sprint and paracanoe athletes  - including possible future Olympians - race head-to-head on a nine-lane course in narrow, high-speed canoes and kayaks. Volunteers wanted: Join our dedicated team and contribute to the success of this event. Help with various roles, meet new people, and more. Visit here to sign up now: https://bit.ly/3YbIJqv

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA 2023 STAND UP PADDLE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

Watch nearly 200 Special Olympics athletes from across the state compete in a variety of SUP races. For more information, visit here. 

New Paddler Day for Breast Cancer & All Cancer Survivors

New Paddler Day for Breast Cancer Survivors and All Cancer Survivors.  It’s FREE! Try out paddling with no strings attached — if you're ages 14 and older, there’s a seat in the boat for you!   The NBP Paddling Program uses dragon boats, outrigger canoes and more. Whether you’re interested in recreational paddling or you want to be competitive, we have a place for you — and we want to continue building our breast cancer survivors, all-cancer-survivors and our NBP Veterans dragon boat teams. We provide the life jackets and paddles, so bring your sense of adventure and teamwork! You’ll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation. Tickets aren't needed, but we prefer you RSVP!

Last Paddler Standing

Last Paddler Standing is an endurance SUP race. Unlike any other paddle race in the world, Last Paddler Standing is a race of stamina and strategy. Racers will paddle a 3.33-mile loop course, starting and finishing the loop within a one-hour period. The next loop will begin on the hour and the race goes until only one paddler is left standing. At the 48-hour mark, the length of the loop will be increased. Do you have what it takes to be the Last Paddler Standing?   This is a SUP-only race. Paddlers must use a single blade, no double blades allowed. Boards cannot be hybrid sit on top. Prone is allowed but you must have a paddle on the board with you at all times. This race is designed to challenge your endurance, stamina, and strategic thinking. It's not solely about speed, so don't select your SUP based on that. The race will start on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 9:00 AM. The race will go until there's one finisher.   The race is timed with each loop starting on the hour, every hour. Racers must be at the starting line within 10 seconds of the top of the hour. […]

NBP Veterans New Paddler Day

Regatta Island 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, United States

If you're a military veteran, whether abled, disabled or wounded, there's room for you on the NBP Veterans paddling team — so fall in and get in sync with us! Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen alike, come try out paddling and contemplate being part of a team.   Cost: Try your first session for FREE! Learn about Nathan Benderson Park's world-class paddling program for veterans   Location: Meet us on Regatta Island, down near the boat storage area/launch docks.   You'll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation.   Reserve your spot today!

FREE

**Date change** – Learn to Outrigger Canoe

Learn the Outrigger Canoe Learn all the basics of this unique sport and techniques to help you perform to your fullest! This sport is a great full body workout, as well as a ton of fun! Sign up for our 5-hour course, divided into 3 sessions: (See new dates below that were changed due to inclement weather) Friday, Jan. 12 from 6-7pm via zoom Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10am-12pm Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10am-12pm Cost: $150  To register, click here History of the Outrigger Canoe: Outrigger canoe racing evolved as a natural extension of the peoples of Oceania’s use of these amazing craft for their everyday survival in fishing the oceans and in traveling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles. These people journeyed in double hulled voyaging canoes which still exist today. Canoe racing became an important part of island life, as much pride and prestige was placed on victory. During the European occupation of many of the islands, specifically in Hawaii in 1820, canoe racing was effectively banned and paddles were replaced with bibles. Later in 1876 King David Kalakaua reinstated the sport. By 1908 the first two outrigger canoe clubs […]