Safety Harbor Paddle Event Raises Awareness For Newborn Screening

The 2015 Blake Real estate Paddle For Kids event in Safety Harbor.

The 2015 Blake Real estate Paddle For Kids event in Safety Harbor.

Terrific weather, a fun and growing sport and a great cause helped make the second annual Blake Real Estate Paddle For Kids event, held on Saturday, May 2 at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, a success.

While some participants were there to test their skills against quality competition, others were there to enjoy the watersport which is quickly growing in popularity and to support the event, which served as a fundraiser for newborn screenings.

Event founder Rick Blake, said the second annual event was a major success and an improvement over last year in many ways.

Rick Blake reads off the award winners at the 2015 Paddle For Kids event.

Rick Blake reads off the award winners at the 2015 Paddle For Kids event.

“We saw over 30% increase in paddlers this year and double that in sponsors, attendees and spectators. We are already looking forward to next year and including even more paddle craft, and possibly a second day of events for team building and local businesses to sponsor team races.”

“The bigger the event gets, the more exposure we create for programs that save babies lives, like newborn screening. So many folks are unaware of the programs available and the research going on that assists in recognizing disorders in newborn babies within their first few days of life. We want to do our part in making sure these programs grow more efficient and universal.”

Proceeds from the race go to Paddle For Kids Corp, a local charity that provides information for newborn screening and funding to continue research for more programs.

“What an awesome event,” Bruce Denson, who organizes the annual Florida Cup, said. “A beautiful venue, a great run, great prizes, the food was great. I can’t say enough about it.”

“Standup paddleboarding has really come a long way in this are in a short amount of time, partly because of events like this,” Frank Dillenberg, who along with his wife, Sharon, founded Stand Up Paddle Life in Palm Harbor in 2010.

“For us, it’s awesome to see it grow and take off like it has.”

Following the first two races, a three mile novice run and a 7 mile elite race that ran out to the Courtney Campbell Causeway and back, the paddlers came in for lunch.

After lunch, the kids took to the water for the “dolphin dash” before awards and raffle prizes were handed out.

Holly Jones celebrates winning her division at the Paddle For Kids event.

Holly Jones celebrates winning her division at the Paddle For Kids event.

For Holly Jones of New Port Richey, who trained with the Dillenbergs for two years, the thrill of winning her first first- place trophy this year was unparalleled.

“I was drawn to standup paddleboarding for the serenity and peacefulness, to see wildlife and to touch it,” she said. “When you’re out there, you realize you’re one small being in one huge world. It never gets old.”

The racers weren’t the only attendees having a great time at the event, Good Vibes SUP, a new sponsor to the annual event, pledged to donate 10% of their profits during the month of May to Paddle For Kids. Good Vibes SUP is a local stand up paddle board dealer with everything from training, clothing, and boards. Their slogan is simply “spreading good vibes”…just like this paddling event did for all those attending.

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