Article reposted courtesy of https://www.gulfshorelife.com/events/babcock-ranch-to-host-dragon-boat-challenge/
Calling all paddlers! Registration is open for the second annual Babcock Ranch Dragon Boat Challenge Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Founder’s Square at Babcock Ranch, located just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31. Gather your friends, family members and coworkers to form a Dragon Boat team, or register as an individual and be assigned to a team to compete in the event that is part of the 2019 High Five Gulf Coast Mini Dragon Boat Series. High Five Dragon Boat will provide teams with all the necessary equipment, including a boat, paddles and life vests. Mini Dragon Boats are 25 feet long, with five rows seating 10 paddlers, a drummer and a steerperson. Standard 42-foot boats that accommodate 20 paddlers will also be available. Teams can enter in racing categories including Premier Mixed, Women and Open, Senior Mixed, Women and Open. Breast cancer survivors can register individually and will be assigned to teams as part of the weekend-long PINKtober Celebration. Each team will race the 400-meter course in three heats, with no elimination. Division winners will be recognized in a post-race awards ceremony. Individual paddlers are $60; team rates start from $475. Team registration is open through Friday, Oct. 18. All paddlers must be 14 years of age or older; drummers must be at least 12 years old. Entry fees vary by division. For more information or to register your team, visit www.babcockranchdragonboatfestival.com.