Southport Magazine

“Davis Canal is just a beautiful scenic trail, and the route we chose is just per- fect for beginning kayakers,” said Rebecca Squires, Director of Oak Island Parks and Recreation. The course follows Davis Canal for three miles, and then racers cross over to the Montgomery Slough for the remain- ing two miles. The route is considered easy in terms of difficulty because the tide will be flowing with the paddlers.

Adventure Kayak Company in South- port is a co-sponsor of Ride the Tide. “We wanted to have something that would be a good community event for all ages and skill levels,” said Emma Thomas, owner of the company. “The name Ride the Tide came about because you literally ride the tide,” Thomas said, “We plan it so the tide is going out, and Davis Canal is a great place to paddle because there’s very little if any boat traffic.”

It takes most participants two to three hours to complete. “It’s nice flat water, so you can go as fast as your body will let you,” Squires said. The only challenging part can be the wind.

The record to beat is 47 minutes for tandem paddlers and 51 minutes for a single paddler, set a few years ago by a triathlete from Wilmington. “He was booking,” Squires said. Coveted “Ride the Tide” medals are awarded for fastest times for both single and double paddlers in both men’s and women’s categories and in different age groups. Age groups include Youth ages 12-17, Adult ages 18-30, Adult ages 30-50, and Adult ages 50 and up. A prize will also be awarded for the fastest participant to float the canal.

There’s also a costume contest, and prizes are awarded for the best environmentally themed costume. “We get some really creative costumes,” Thomas said. One man dressed up as a mallard duck complete with a duck head and a kayak decorated with feathers. Two ladies once appeared as jellyfish. One man came as a shark and an- other as a tree. “Some people just go the Jimmy Buffet route,” Squires added, “luau shirts, leis and shark fins on their heads.”