Chris Barlow and Adam Masters on the way the Nantahala Falls

Bellyak at the National Paddlesports Conference 2017

Last weekend was the National Paddlesports Conference at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC. What an honor it was to be there! In 2015, ‘Prone River Paddling’ was adopted under the leadership and guidance of Robin Pope, multi-discipline instructor and mentor. What does this mean? It means Bellyaking officially became a discipline with the American Canoe Association. We also now have standardized the instructional arc of bellyak so that others can follow in our footsteps. More prone river paddling love to be shared!

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Ocoee Race 2017 Recap

The 2017 Ocoee River Race, sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, had over 130 racers this year.  This is a challenging downriver race, requiring  hundreds of small moves to stay in the fast water to make it down the 4+ mile Class III course. Team Bellyak represented with our own category and five racers this year.

How to Race the Ocoee

To post a fast time, it’s not so much about being fast in the rapids, as much as it is about having the smoothest line between the end of one rapid and the beginning of the next. Each rapid has multiple ways to run, with a fast ‘race line’ through every feature. Racers are released in one minute intervals to race against the clock.

Adam Masters getting ready to bellyak in the 2017 Ocoee Race

Men’s Hand Paddle Race

Adam Masters – creator of Bellyak – raced twice: first in the men’s kayak hand paddle division (racing on the bellyak Frequency), and then in the bellyak category (racing on a Play 35). Here’s what he had to say about the experience:

“Every year I’ve raced in men’s hand paddle (as that is the closest category to bellyak), and I like to pretend to hurt people’s feelings, or at least make them realize we aren’t messing around. I’m wearing webbed gloves, and they are using large plastic hand paddles. I won the category in 2012, and since then we’ve created our own category. For the past three years I’ve come in right behind the hand paddle master of the southeast, Keith Sprinkle. Plus, I just want to race bellyak in as many categories  as possible.

The Frequency is the fastest boat in the bellyak lineup, at 8’7″. The flip up skeg is designed to work in whitewater, and the Ocoee is a rocky, shallow river – a perfect place to put it to the test. The skeg allows the boat to stay on course in the squirrelly water between rapids, thus making it much more efficient to paddle quickly during the transitions.  After racing back-to-back with and without the skeg, I’m convinced of it’s effectiveness for going fast in whitewater.

My first run was clean with only a few mistakes, I spun out in the middle of Broken Nose by overshooting the race line, and then got stuck between a big raft trip in Double Suck that I didn’t get past until half a mile later at Double Trouble. The next part of the race are the doldrums – a half mile of flatwater where dreams are crushed, reasons for living are questioned, and you come face to face with the truth of how much you did or did not train for this type of output. For whitewater paddlers, flatwater is akin to uphill paddling. For the past year I have been swimming, mountain unicycling, running and paddling more regularly than any year prior, and I felt as strong as I ever have during the race.  I stayed fast all the way through to the end, and nailed the finish move at Powerhouse, which is deceptively tricky if you’re not prepared for where the finish line raft is.”

Adam finished in third place for Men’s Hand Paddle Kayak, with a time of 39:15.

The rest of Team Bellyak had start times  50 minutes after Adam (since he was the only one racing two categories). As soon as he was done with race lap number one and partially recovered from the lactic acid overdose and weird tracers he was seeing around everything, he jumped in the van and headed back to the top.

“I had strategically placed an ice cold Dr. Pepper in a glass bottle, along with some more traditional recovery foods like Skittles. Strategic soda and Skittles intake can be performance enhancing. There happened to be a car wreck on the two lane road back to the top, so I sat for nearly an hour blasting Rihanna on the half of a radio station that one gets in Copperhill, TN and cheering on the rest of Team Bellyak as they paddled by.”

Bellyak Category Race

There were five competitors in the bellyak category race – Adam Masters, Jamie MacLeod, Bill Wunderlich, Corey Topping and Sarah Neal. Adam and Jamie races on Play 35s, and the rest chose Play 45s. The race according to Adam:

“My second run was clean. I made no mistakes and stayed steady throughout the run. However, the absence of the skeg was very noticeable as I had to put substantially more energy to keep the boat on course. I was mildly delirious as the end of the run and grateful for all of Team Bellyak standing on the bridge above the finish line cheering for me!

For 2017, we decided to recognize ourselves and make our category as awesome as possible. Our prizemaster this year was Bill Wunderlich, who had assembled the best assortment of prizes for the Bellyak category.”

Results

First Place: Adam MastersPrize: Webbed belt, Aquaseal, two pound bag of ‘America’ Skittles, 24 Ounce engraved beer stein.

Time: 41:42

Second: Jamie MacLeod Prize: $50 PF Changs gift card, resealable bag of original Skittles

Time: 43:44

Third: Corey Topping Prize: Large spray bottle of Rain X, two pound bag of ‘America’ Skittles

Time: 49:01 (missed takeout raft, had to paddle back upstream)

Fourth: Sarah Neal Prize: $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card, two 12′ NRS Straps

Time: 49:02 (missed takeout raft, had to paddle back upstream)

Fifth: Bill Wunderlich Prize: ENO Twilights, 1986 Pro Tec Helmet, open bag of used skittles

Time: 51:02 (only his sixth trip ever down the Ocoee, and he will be in the medals next year)

 

Jamie MacLeod celebrating the Ocoee race

This sums up how we feel about racing the Ocoee, and shows Bill’s awesome helmet prize.

Team Bellyak at the Ocoee Race

We had the most fun! Especially that guy in the back.

7Figure Dry Suit

Gear Review: Immersion Research 7Figure Dry Suit

We used to think dry suits were in the realm of the privileged and sponsored. Something you got when you graduated gnar school. A luxury for the fortunate, an unattainable holy grail of wintertime warmth for Southeastern boaters. What’s wrong with a farmer john wetsuit and a drytop? I mean, is there a difference between that and say, the 7Figure Immersion Research Dry Suit?

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H20 Dreams

Bellyak Rental Locations

So you’ve heard about bellyaking and want to give it a go? You can rent one for a day! North, South, East or West – there is a location for you. Even if you’re across the pond with our Fish and Chip loving friends. Perfect for trying out new rivers, treating family and friends visiting, or just trying it out before you walk away with your very own Frequency bellyak. You can find a full list of Bellyak Rental Locations HERE, and below are a couple of our new friends. Happy prone paddling!

Lake Junaluska

Lake Junaluska Rec Hut

Where the mountains meet the lake. If you’re in Western North Carolina, you literally can’t leave without paying a visit to Lake Junaluska. Not only are there amazing views, but a beautiful lake to hone your bellyaking skills on. For more info:

91 N Lakeshore Dr, Waynesville, NC 28785
(800) 222-4930

 

H20 Dreams

H20 Dreams

Enjoy a 5 hour beginner course on bellyaking (3 hours on the water). Are you new to moving water and want a fun, safe and exciting way to to get on the water and learn? Then Bellyak can take you there. Seasoned expert bored of the same old river? Bellyak will show you an entirely new perspective and challenge in a brand new way. Ages 6 and up! For more info:

435 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773

(828) 767-7109

http://www.whitewaterdreams.com/product/fundamentals-of-river-running-for-bellyak/

Mike's Marine Supply

Mike’s Marine

For our Michigan friends, Mike’s Marine Supply is family owned and operated store offering great discounts on quality marine accessories and fun rentals on Lake St. Clair.

24910 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
+1 586-778-3200

 

Saluda Outfitters

Saluda Outfitters

A local fave, Saluda Outfitters is super easy to find at 435 Main in Saluda at the intersection of Ozone Drive and Highway 176. Just look UP on the hill and you will find this treasure of a store at the top.

435 Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773
(828)848-4060
http://saludaoutfitters.com/

 

For a map of our bellyak rental locations, please explore below!

Exiting the water with a Layla PFD

Gear Review: Astral Layla PFD

Prone paddling in whitewater requires specific gear to maximize the experience. For most aquatic recreation, the PFD is something that is worn if something goes wrong. You hope to not need it. For paddling a bellyak, the PFD becomes part of the user experience because it provides the interface between body and boat. Therefore, a properly fitted and comfortable PFD is a must.

There are many PFD’s that will work. Anything with a relatively flat/consistent thickness front that fits well, will function just fine. But there is one PFD that stands out above all others:

The Astral Layla

The Astral Layla

The Astral Layla is a women’s vest made to fit and support a womans body. But the flat front, kapok foam inside, and multiple ways to adjust make it just right for prone paddling. You see, a bulky vest made for kayaking may work perfectly for our upright butt-boating brethren, but we depend on our lifejacket not just for flotation, for prone paddling comfort as well.

The Astral Layla on a bellyaker

Key Features of the Layla

  • Shoulder adjustments: Finally! Someone realized that not every torso is created equally. This feature helps properly position the PFD in the perfect location for prone paddling. It also makes it an ideal vest for teaching, because this one feature alone allows it to be custom fit to a wide size range of paddlers.

Exiting the water with a Layla PFD

 

  • Side Zip: Another great feature. The side zip makes the vest much easier to get on and off, especially when your shoulders are sore from a long day on the river. It also helps accommodate every shape human.

Showing the Astral Layla's front zip

  • Front Pocket: Because you always need a place to store snacks/spare key/cellphone in waterproof case.

Waiting to bellyak with the Astral Layla

Designed for a Woman, strong enough for a man, and perfect for bellyaking!

For more on the Astral Layla and information on where to buy, check it out online: https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/paddlesports/pfds/layla.

Working out on the bellyak

Bellyak Workout – From the Perspective of a Client

By Sara Bliss Weidemann, Team Bellyak’s fitness instructor

Last week I brought one of my personal training clients and her son to workout on my Frequency Bellyak for the first time.  Gretchen has been my client since June 2016 and we train consistently two times per week. Our workouts are strength based and typically full body. In the past year, Gretchen has done it all: TRX bands, battle ropes, tractor tires, resistance bands, kettlebells, barbells and more!  As trainers, a part our job is to make sure our clients enjoy the workouts and that they don’t get bored. With the Bellyak, it’s a win-win!

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Lake bellyak workouts

Do You Remember Your First Time?

By Sara Weidemann,

“My workouts are boring!” Said no one ever that owns a Bellyak. My first time on the Bellyak was an unforgettable experience. And by unforgettable, I mean my muscles felt the workout for days so I literally couldn’t forget about it. To be honest, I haven’t stopped talking about it either. So, I bought a bellyak.  Since I can walk out my front door and go 10 miles in any direction and run into a lake, I bought the Frequency bellyak because it’s best for open water – and let’s be honest – it has a built in hatch to hold a couple cans of my favorite beer.

Lake bellyak workouts

A New Kind of Workout

I’ve been a personal trainer for over 10 years and I was amazed by the number of muscle groups involved when using the bellyak. While paddling down the French Broad Section Nine River in North Carolina (first time ever on a bellyak!), I told myself how thankful I was that I incorporate Pilates into my fitness routines. I found myself engaging certain muscle groups that I would in prone Pilates exercises on the bellyak. The only difference was that the next morning I felt as if it was the first time ever doing Pilates. Hell, I felt like it was the first time I’ve ever worked out! My muscles ached, specifically my core muscles. It brought a smile to my face and I thought to myself…”I have to be a part of Team Bellyak, and I need to do so immediately because the world needs to know about the bellyak”.

Exercise buddies on the Frequency

Mixing Up Exercise Routines

I get bored easily with workouts and even the classes I teach, which is why I’m certified and able to teach so many different fitness formats; Yoga, Mat Pilates, PiYo, Barbell, Kettlebells, TRX, Water Aerobics, HIIT are some, but not all the formats I teach on a weekly basis. The bellyak gave me new hope that there IS something out there for me that will keep my workouts fun, fresh, and different. My goal going forward is to show you all, the Bellyak users, different fitness routines you can incorporate into your life to not only help with being better at the Bellyak and possibly surpass the man himself – founder Adam Masters – but to increase your overall strength, help with posture, decrease risk of injury and to spice up your workouts!

I look forward to putting on fitness challenges, creating workout videos, and writing blogs.  If there is anything specific you’d like me to write about please e-mail me at sara@bellyak.com!

Psst – have you completed my first fitness challenge? The bellyak burpee? Check it out below!

 

Double Handed Boof Stroke

Double Handed Boof Stroke

The key to bellyak success in whitewater (or any craft)  is maintaining boat control.  A boof is a kayak term used to describe taking a powerful stroke to lift the bow of the boat and accelerate it over features, and to keep the bow from diving. The double handed boof stroke is like a butterfly stroke in swimming.

How to Do the Stroke:

Step 1: Reach forward, right before your bow hits the feature.

Step 2: As you pull the boat past you, lift up your chest to give exra oomph to the stroke.

This does two things, it unweights the bow of the boat, and accelerates you forward allowing you to ‘skip’ over features. This also is useful for crossing eddy lines, launching off of waves, and anytime you need a little extra throttle. The planing hulls of the bellyaks allow them to accelerate quickly, making this an effective last minute stroke.

Step 3:

Finish the stroke by coming back to forward, and keep paddling!

 

 

Trouble Shooting:

Pre-Boofing: boofing too soon causes you to accelerate and land in the hole, and then lose control. Wait until your bow is touching the feature to initiate your boof. Imagine reaching forward and pulling yourself over the feature as opposed to pushing through it.

Diving/getting flipped: You may have the stroke timing correct, but if you don’t unweight the bow by lifting your chest as you boof you will cause the bow to dive under, and thus lose control.

Landing and getting flipped: Once you boof through the feature, maintain your momentum by going back to the alternating sweep stroke  to maintain your speed!

 

Side Effects: The Stages of Boof Face

Pre Boof Face

 

Boof Face Proper

Post Boof Face

Launching a Wave Face

Having fun on a bellyak

50 Must-Do Things This Summer

Spring has sprung and Summer is upon us. We want to do EVERYTHING while we frolic in the sun, but here is our top 50. Can you do them all?

Pet a dog

1. Pet a dog

We thought we’d start you out with an easy (most super fun) one. With puppers in public more and more these days, it’s easy to spot a furry friend in need of some love. Just be nice and make sure you ask first!

otters holding hands

2. Hold hands with an otter

You can’t look at these little guys and not want to give that little furry paw a squeeze! These playful little fluffs will often hold hands while they float in order to stay close. If you’re lucky, you can get a whole romp of otters to accept you as their one and only. You can all raft together!

3. Eat a 1lb burrito

If you hit a Wednesday night and realize that you’re not knocking off enough items from your bucket list, you can always count on a burrito to save you. Apparently, we are also counting *two* ½ pound burritos from Taco Bell if you are in a crunch!

cute racoon

3. Give a raccoon a forever home

Once the otters have accepted you, you should have enough animal clout to move into raccoon territory. You’re way past dogs (you’ve already petted one) so get out there and adopt the ring-tailed forest puppy of your dreams!

burrito 4. Eat a 10lb burrito

You may be thinking that a 10 pound burrito seems a bit difficult. How soon you forget that you have been welcomed into a romp of otters and you have a raccoon with a bandana on at home. We believe in you!

Bellyaking on the river

5. Bellyak on 5 different rivers

Summer is the perfect time to get out and break in that brand new Bellyak. Choose from a number of whitewater options and get paddling!

Big Ben in London

6. Go to England

Are you curious about the origin of Fish and Chips? Do you want to know who Paul Revere warned us about? Are you a fan of really big clocks? Go to England! Enjoy some time overseas and get to know the motherland!

7. Try a hike you’ve never been on

These are super easy to find if you’re ever been on any social media ever. Challenge yourself with a long or more strenuous hike than you usually do – bonus points if you leave your state!

Bellyaking on the river

8. Take your friend bellyaking

Sharing is caring! Are you really a real friend if you have discovered the joys of bellyaking and not taken your buddy ol’ pal? (Hint: no, you are not) But! You can easily remedy that by taking them this summer! Choose one of your new rivers and hit it together!

9. Swim in a mountain lake

The Southeast is full of swimming holes, rivers and lakes that are just begging to be jumped in! (You can even bring your bellyak buddy!)

10. Pee in your wetsuit while surfing

Hate being cold? Us too! Save time and body heat by peeing in your wetsuit while you’re surfing! It’s much more challenging then you would think!

concert crowd11. Go to an outdoor concert

If you have never been to an outdoor summer concert, you are absolutely missing out. We’re warming you up for full-blown Bonnaroo with a few hundred of your closest friends singing the best music! And the long lines at the porta-potty with complete strangers always leads to great connections!

12. Go night swimming

We aren’t sure what it is, but something about swimming in the dark makes it feel about 1,000 times cooler. Maybe it’s the anxiety of knowing all of the nighttime predators are now awake and only inches from your vital organs. Either way, the experience is worth the rush!

Cup of coffee

13. Use a fake name to order coffee

If you are a Sam and you go with Joe, then you are officially no fun. But go to one of those places that calls out your order and give them the name you’ve always wanted (or thought was hilarious). Bonus points if you let them yell it more than once, and double points if you use Barack Obama. Or shootingfishjumpingstarrainbow, if you’re in Asheville.

14. Cook with a vegetable you’ve never heard of

If you have a local co-op or a farmers market, you should definitely go and pick out something that you’ve never seen or heard of and look up how you’re supposed to cook it. Prepare it for yourself or for friends. You never know, you could love it and gain mega hipster points.

Yoga on the bellyak

15. Attempt Bellyak Yoga

We are giving out all of the A’s for effort on this one. We don’t think it’s fair to have great loves and have to keep them apart. So get your waterproof yoga pants on (or take them off!) and stretch it out! You might find a new favorite way to mount your bellyak in the process! (or get really good at getting on out of the water).

16. Say yes to everything for a whole day

You don’t have to be full-on Jim Carey, but open yourself up to some new opportunities by saying yes to whatever comes your way!

shelter dogs

17. Pet all the dogs in a shelter

Since you’re already a dog-petting pro, we challenge you to test your skills at a shelter. You can volunteer, or just drop by to shower some welcome attention on all the doggos!

18. Run a half marathon

You’ve been trail running forever, now is the time to put your skills to the test. Shake up your workout routine by setting a specific half-marathon race as your goal.

bike to work19. Bike to Work

No matter if your commute is short or long, hop on a bike for your morning commute. (You can still drop off your kids!)

20. Fish for dinner (without backup)

Time to put your super survival skills to the test. We know you’re a great fisherperson, but now is the time to prove it to your stomach. Catch, clean and eat your hard work for a satisfying supper!

aerial yoga

21. Take an aerial yoga class

Built for all types of fitness levels, aerial yoga, is becoming more and more popular throughout North America. Check the location you choose’s site for a possible free trial class!

A post shared by Bellyak (@bellyak) on

22. Go live on Instagram for five minutes

For those of you who do this all the time, this should be no big deal, but for those who have never done it before, take it as an opportunity to step out of your box and connect with people! It doesn’t matter how many people watch, it’s about being comfortable with yo’ self!

turtle in the road23. Save a turtle from the road

We’re not sure why the turtles tend to cross the road out in the summer heat (maybe running late for a meeting with a chicken), but we feel we can help them reach their destination more safely! Turtle heroes unite!

24. Tie-dye something

Whatever fabric you can find that could use a little sprucing up is fair game. Grab some rubber bands and dye and a big bucket and get colorful  for the summer months! We like bandanas and shoelaces!

homemade bread

25. Make bread from scratch

We know, we continue to test your kitchen skills, but making bread by yourself from scratch is almost as satisfying as actually eating it!

26. Donate your time to a local cause

Give back a little this summer Season by getting involved in a local non-profit or organization! You’ll help people AND have the best time. In the Asheville, NC area? Check out More Heart Than Scars – an organization that assists individuals facing physical and or mental scars/challenges to help realize they can live beyond them.

dancing27. Try Contra dancing

Another way to stay in summer shape without the gym. Contra lessons can be super fun and the people you meet are just friends you haven’t met yet!  (Be prepared to sweat!) If the music doesn’t move you then smell of the unwashed masses will!

Campfire

28. Have Campfire Karaoke

Warm up those vocal cord with some hot chocolate and bring out the radio. Go around the circle and take turns belting out whichever ones you know. You might even scare away the bears!

29. Go on an unplanned weekend road trip

Pack up one Friday after work and just drive until it feels right. Try a new restaurant, sleep in your car, spend a day at the beach, whatever sounds like the perfect complement to a spontaneous weekend!

hand-fed squirrel

30. Hand feed a squirrel

You are a wilderness god/goddess!

31. Hike to the highest peak in your state

You can expand your knowledge of your area by getting out and exploring the range! (We will accept border states if your highest peak is an active volcano)

international currency32. Buy something with foreign currency

Depending on the lengths of your summer travel, this may become more of a barter, but  deciphering exchange rates is a skill you never know you need until you need it! Practice now!

33. Get a henna tattoo

Calling all commitment phobes! Get an awesome henna tattoo and enjoy your art for just under a month! Bonus points if you are a male and get a tramp stamp.

Pet date!

34. Go on a date with your pet

Show that special furry someone how much they mean to you with a pet date! Take them to their favorite park, and maybe pick up a pup cup along the way! If they want to slow-dance, well that’s up to you!

35.Have a tech-free day

Unplug and get outside for a whole day. You’ll be surprised at how relaxing it can be to get away from responsibility for just 24 hours!

36.Volunteer locally for a day

Anywhere you want to volunteer would be an excellent way to spend a fantastic summer day. We totally encourage you to keep this one up after summer is gone!

breakfast food37. Have breakfast for dinner

Brinner is the breakfast (for dinner) of champions! Brinner comes in clutch when you’re short on groceries or just craving that good good bacon after 5:00p.m. Take our word for it – it’s addicting!

Bellyaking on Lake Jocassee

38. Hang out at a weekly Bellyak demo

New to the world of prone paddling? Great! Come give Bellyak a try at one of our many demos and clinics!

A post shared by Barry Kennon (@nattyshred) on

39. Ride a unicycle

By labor day, you will be a Jack/Jill of all trades! Go to www.unicycle.com. We hear it also makes you taller!

40. Eat tacos for every meal

Because you truly haven’t lived until you’ve had a brunch taco!

library books

41. Go to a bookstore and read the first book you find

We love to stumble upon great things that we would have otherwise missed (duh, Bellyaking). WE think the same would be great with reading!

42. Go Zip-lining!

Need a baby step before your first bungee jump or skydiving session? Go zip-lining! We recommend zip-lining through the forest or a gorge!

43. Take a class at the local community college

Community Colleges have so many cool classes you can take to add a new skill or just have some fun! Don’t worry about sending your transcripts or making a schedule, because most are open enrollment!

restaurant

44. Try a new local restaurant

Everyone we know has “their place” that is a hole-in-the-wall that no one has ever heard of, but it is so good. We think it’s time you found yours!

45. Do a scavenger hunt with your friends

Be creative, and get out either in your town, or the woods or even a new place and come up with a list “things” they need to collect or activities they need to do. Photos are your evidence!

46. Try a comedy club

Let off some summer steam by gathering your friends and going out to a comedy club for a night. Listen to local talent, or buy tickets to a big show.

47. Plan a big summer road trip

In contrast to your weekend getaway to who knows where, plan a big road trip to something you have always wanted to see/do. Pack great road trip snacks, cool stops and bring great music.

summer garden product

48. Have dinner from your garden

All of your hard work from planting this spring, can come straight to the table for an Al Fresco summer meal. Don’t forget all of your great herbs!

49. Watch a familiar movie in a Foreign language

Expand your brain with something you already know you love! Also find funny words in another language you can use later.

Water Balloons

50. Water balloon dodgeball

The only logical last item is always dodgeball. Take advantage of the summer sun by getting outside and have a good ol’ fashioned water fight. Lines and actual rules optional.

Whatever you get up to this Summer, we hope it’s fun, fabulous and outdoors! Happy Summer!

Bellyak racers at the finish

Bellyak World Championships – Race Recap

On May 27th Bellyak hosted the first annual “Race for a Cause” as part of the Mountain Sports Festival in Asheville NC. Race day brought water levels on the high side of perfect! The Class 1 river felt like it was moving faster than it was had it been lower.  After an ambiguous mass start, 13 racers completed the 1.5 mile sprint from French Broad Outfitters at Hominy Creek to Carrier Park.

Bellyak world championships

Race Recap

William Blakely represented the adaptive side of Team Bellyak, winning the adaptive category and coming in 9th overall. Eli Masters (nephew of the founder) won the kids division, and Dominic *surname unknown* took the overall win. Genuine plastic trophies were given, webbed high fives were shared all around, and $72 was raised for Our Voice. Our Voice is a local nonprofit in pursuit of a community free of sexual violence.
Bellyak crew
All in all, the best inaugural Bellyak World Championships we could have imagined!

Future Races!