Last month we hosted the second annual Bellyak Race for a Cause, as part of the Mountain Sports Festival. Despite the liquid sunshine that appeared just as we paddled away, it was a great success! We had 13 participants from 7 states and ages from 8 to awesome. 

Only try this if you weigh less than 70 pounds.

The Participants

The Pollick family represented with their three kids, and we had two  newlyweds on a bellyak honeymoon. William Blakely, adaptive paddler and Bellyak Ambassador, drove up with his mom, Tammy Lea, to compete for his second time.  The kids race saw the hottest competition with a brand new Astral Otter as the grand prize. Bets were made, hands were shaken, and we lined up on at French Broad Outfitters – Hominy Creek to begin! 

A heavy downpour greeted the racers halfway through the course. Looks like more of a ‘Float for a Cause’ here.

Our Voice

Since it is a Race for a Cause, our Cause this year is Our Voice. Our Voice are a local non-profit in pursuit of a community free of sexual violence. Our VOICE serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse, through counseling, advocacy and education. We raised $114 to help support their cause.

Future bellyak Events

Join us next year and check out our Events Calendar or follow us on Facebook for more bellyak races, demos and fun.