SEBASTIAN — Standing on a narrow strip of land the parallels a small boat ramp into the St. Sebastian River at Dale Wimbrow Park, dozens of people gathered, cheering on the canoeists, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders who were making their final push to the finish line.
“Pour it on! Pour it on!” shouted one spectator as a man came paddling up to the ramp.
The weather cooperated far better this year than last for By the River’s 2nd annual Up the River with a Paddle competition, which serves as a fundraiser for the affordable senior housing community located just down the way from the park on Roseland Road.
“I love it. It’s a lot of fun,” said Sebastian resident and hobbyist paddler Anthony Donini.
This was the first competition he has paddled in, but might not be the last.
For Donini, paddling is an opportunity to get outside, enjoy the weather and nature, and get in a bit of exercise.
It’s the same for the Henderson family, who traveled nearly an hour from Rockledge, Fla., to participate in the race.
Six-year-old Luke, and his dad, John, completed the 3-mile course in 48 minutes 2 seconds. Luke said there were many things about paddling that he enjoyed most – spending time with his dad and being close to nature were his top two.
Henderson said he found out about the Sebastian event online and wanted to check it out.
“I’ll be sure to look out for it next year,” he said, adding that his family had fun coming out for the day.
“It’s fun exercise,” he said of rowing. “I can’t say that about the gym.”
By the River board member Joe Coakley said that they expected to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 for the senior housing community. The funds will be used to cover operations costs as well as purchase necessities for the senior residents who cannot afford the basic essentials.
By the River is the Treasure Coast’s independent, residential community for low-income seniors, founded by internationally-known spiritual teacher Ma Jaya, who passed away earlier this year.
Coakley hopes to continue the event in the years to come, helping to not only raise funds for By the River, but also to promote Sebastian and eco-tourism.
It’s a vision shared by Indian River County Commissioner Peter O’Bryan, who would like to see the event expand to a 3-day paddling festival with more than just canoe and kayak races.
“Sebastian needs to proclaim themselves as the kayaking capital,” O’Bryan said.
Along with short- and long-course races, O’Bryan envisions wildlife photography from a kayak competitions as well as possible fishing tournaments. And, rather than limit the event to Dale Wimbrow Park, he said all waterways could be included – such as the Indian River Lagoon and the Blue Cypress Lake.
Next year, O’Bryan said he hopes to put together a paddling team of fellow commissioners and issue a challenge to the Fellsmere and Sebastian city councils. As it is, O’Bryan has not done much paddling on his own.
Facing a soon-to-be empty nest as his youngest son heads to college soon, O’Bryan and his wife are considering taking up paddling and have been borrowing friends’ kayaks to get a feel for the sport.
“I’m a powerboat guy,” he said, adding that his wife is more about the journey than the destination.