Gator Bait Race
This past Saturday, kayak enthusiasts from 7 different southern states convened at Pelahatchie Shore Park to participate in the 5.5 mile Gator Bait Race. With kayaking gaining popularity over the past few years, it's no wonder more than 80 people put their boats in the water on this particular Saturday morning.
This event has turned into something that many people look forward to each year. It is a family (and dog) event, with sponsors offering different door prizes throughout the day, as well as something for just about everyone. To end the event, awards in many different classes are given out, and then everyone eats some good food. That's how we do things in Mississippi, right?
Michelle Blair, the race director, asked me to take photos of this event. She and her partner, David Christopher, inherited the race two years ago. They strive each year to make this event fun for anyone from the recreational paddler all the way to the die-hard racers.
I'd say they were successful in accomplishing just that, from the look on people's faces. Even as a non-kayaker (is that a word?), I could see that those in Saturday's race ran the gambit of paddling experience.
Take a look at the photos below from the event. If you want to participate next year, follow along with their Facebook Group or check details on the Gator Bait website.
NOTE: someone was there, flying one of those little drones overhead. Attached to it was a GoPro camera, shooting video. He was able to hover over the water and take video of all of the action. Consider myself intrigued. I want one.
