Coastal Paddle Presents the 2nd Five Flags Classic

Kevin (seen above) is a paddleboard instructor and ambassador of adventure with Coastal Paddle Company.

PENSACOLA, Florida – On Saturday, April 20th, standup paddleboarders will invade the waters of the Santa Rosa Sound ready for a little friendly competition and a lot of fun at the 2nd Annual Five Flags Paddleboard Classic at The Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach. Hosted by Coastal Paddle Company, the Five Flags Paddleboard Classic includes a 1 mile race, a 3 mile race and a 1 mile kids race (12 and under) featuring the world’s fastest growing watersport.

“Coastal Paddle Company is dedicated to organizing community events that showcase the popular sport of standup paddleboarding and provide a venue for area SUP enthusiasts to connect and compete,” said Kevin Cook, founder of Coastal Paddle Company. “We have a lot of excitement planned for this year’s Five Flags Paddleboard Classic and are looking forward to a great event complete with a post-race celebration at The Grand Marlin.”

Named in homage to the history of Pensacola, the event will begin at 9:00am with onsite registration starting at 8:00am. For race participants, pre-registration through April 18th is $35 per person; race day registration is $40 per person. Registration includes race entry, a signature event t-shirt and lunch, however t-shirts can only be guaranteed to those who pre-register and will be on a first come, first serve basis to those who register the day of the event. Register in person at Coastal Paddle Company or online at Active.com: www.active.com/water-sports/pensacola-beach-fl/2nd-annual-five-flags-paddleboard-classic-2013.

“We are definitely excited about hosting the Five Flags Paddleboard Classic,” added Lisa Jacobi, banquet and event coordinator at The Grand Marlin. “Coastal Paddle Company did such a great job last year with their inaugural event that I know this one will be even better. The venue at The Grand Marlin is perfect especially for spectators because The North Drop Bar gives you a vantage point of the entire race. We're looking forward to a great crowd and another incredible event!”

A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals wishing to support the Five Flags Paddleboard Classic. The races are appropriate for recreational to elite paddlers and rental boards will be available. Open to the public, spectators are welcome to cheer on the competitors and join in the celebration. For more information, please call 850-916-1600 or email coastalpaddleco@yahoo.com. For additional information regarding Coastal Paddle Company, please visit the Coastal Paddle Company Website.

About Coastal Paddle Company:

Coastal Paddle Company is the original dedicated standup paddleboard shop and coastal outdoor outfitter of the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola area. The company offers a great selection of equipment, accessories and apparel from YOLO Board, Quickblade, Kialoa, Patagonia, TOMS Shoes, Olukai, prAna, Marmot, Kavu, Hornytoad and much more. Founded by SUP enthusiast and Gulf Breeze resident Kevin Cook, Coastal Paddle Company was inspired by the adaptability and versatility of SUP. In his own words, “Stand up paddleboarding was the first activity that every member of my family, from my wife to all three of my children wanted to participate in together. It truly is an activity for everyone and we’re excited to help create a local SUP community and expose more people to the wonders of SUP.” Coastal Paddle Company offers daily to weekly standup paddleboard rentals and both private and group lessons from a certified instructor. Retail/Rental locations are 314 Gulf Breeze Parkway and 33A Gulf Breeze Parkway in Gulf Breeze, FL. For additional information, please call 850-916-1600, email coastalpaddleco@yahoo.com or visit www.CoastalPaddleCompany.com.

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