Andy Thornal Co. Presents “Chain of Lakes Challenge”

Posted by Bob Gernert on March 16, 2007 at 12:47 pm

MORE THAN $1,000 IN PRIZES!

Andy Thornal Company will present the first-ever “Chain of Lakes Challenge” canoe and kayak paddling event on Saturday, April 21. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will host the race start in its world famous ski show circle. The water-based event will have several divisions including:

  • Professional Kayak (under 26 inches in width)
  • Recreational Kayak (over 26 inches in width)
  • Professional Canoe (single bladed paddles)
  • “G-2″ type canoe or kayak encouraging two generations to participate together (i.e. mother/father-son/daughter or Grandparent/grandchild) (single bladed paddles)

Andy Thornal Company will fund cash prizes totaling $1,000 and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will provide prize packages for division winners as well.

The “Chain of Lakes Challenge” will begin in the ski-show circle at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park and end at Lake Hartridge Nature Park (approximately 7 miles). Winners receive cash awards and Gardens prize packages.

A shorter “Piddle Paddle” will depart the Gardens and end at Lake Shipp Park on the western shore. Winners receive a plaque and Gardens prize package.

Registration fee is $20 per boat and includes a t-shirt for both participants. Contestants must provide their own boat, sign a release and wear appropriate personal flotation vests. Anyone removing their flotation vest during the race will be disqualified. All boats must be paddled by hand. Registration opens April 2. Forms will be available online at www.winterhavenfl.com, in the Winter Haven Chamber lobby and at Andy Thornal Company.

The “Chain of Lakes Challenge” is the newest element of the Chain of Lakes Festival presented in cooperation with the City of Winter Haven and Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Map of course …

Click Here for the Course Map

Platinum Bank

See other entries filed in: Chamber Events

REMARKS   4 Total remarks on this post. Add your own remarks below

  • March 19th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
    Carl Kocher

    Sounds like a fantastic event, the Andy Thornal Co should be congratulated for their effort.

    Its important they have someone posted at the Gardens Gate to make certain Mr. Gernert doesn’t show up with his giant whale float.

  • April 12th, 2007 at 6:17 am
    Sherry Siler

    This looks great; I’m so glad that the Chamber is encouraging paddle-sports on the Chain.

    I must say, however, that I do find it rather strange that the entry fee isn’t supporting a charity.

  • April 12th, 2007 at 10:21 am
    Bob Gernert

    Andy Thornal’s sponsorship will provide the prizes. The cost of t-shirts, signs, other promotions and staff time will far exceed the money produced by the entry fees.

    As the race grows in volume a worthy organization or environmental efforts may be the beneficiary of excess entry fees. For now, other Chain of Lakes Festival events will subsidize the cost of growing awareness of this race.

  • April 28th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
    Sherry Siler

    This was a fantastic event attended and staffed by an enthusiastic, supportive group of people.

    Again, it is wonderful to see paddle-sports being supported in Winter Haven.

    Many thanks to Andy Thornal and the Chamber for a great time for all.

    I look forward to taking part as the event continues to grow.

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