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Date: 8/24/2022
HOLLAND – Hamilton Reservoir’s sixth annual Paddle Skedaddle will be taking place on Aug. 28. The Paddle Skedaddle is a paddle sport race to benefit the Lake Preservation Fund of the Friends of Hamilton Reservoir Association Inc. (FHRA).
The FHRA is a non-profit organization raising funds for the maintenance and preservation of Hamilton Reservoir, including public safety, environmental integrity and its’ conservation. Race headquarters will be at the Aqua Riders of Holland Beach on the North Basin of Hamilton Reservoir at 163 Mashapaug Rd. The race will start at 10 a.m., preceded by a safety and information meeting required of all participants at 9:40 a.m. There will be race classes for all kinds of canoes, kayaks, pedal/paddle boats and paddle boards and multiple distances to choose from:
• 7 miles, two laps of the North Basin
• 5 miles, adult/youth participants only
• 3.5 miles, one lap of the North basin
• 1 mile
Race director Bill Terbush came up with the idea when he moved to Hamilton Reservoir seven years ago. “I have a history of organizing races like this in the past,” said Terbush. “When I retired, I moved here to the lake, got involved with the lake association, suggested it to them as a fundraiser and they endorsed it.” He continued, “Over the last six years, we’ve had 60 to 65 participants each year. Our primary focus is on organizing a fun event that can introduce the lake to new people and get those that live on the lake an opportunity to interact with others at a fun environment.”
Terbush also said the Paddle Skedaddle Race is part of a series sponsored by the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA), an organization run by volunteers advancing the sport of canoe and kayak racing for paddlers of all skill levels. Part of NECKRA’s point series, people can participate in races throughout New England such as the Paddle Skedaddle and get points. At the end of the year, there is a banquet and prizes are given to those who received points.
Terbush added a new category, the Pedal or Paddle Boat category, after hearing from someone on the lake last year that they would participate if they added a water bike or pedal boat category. Their goal is to have a category for everyone that might be interested. “If it floats and you can pedal or paddle it, we’ll add a category for you,” Terbush responded.
The most fulfilling thing for him about the event is the feedback they have received. He said he enjoys hearing from people who participated, how much fun they’ve had and how much they’ve enjoyed the lake.
“It’s a unique event that you don’t see very often,” Terbush concluded. “We’ve got a tremendous resource here with the lake and it’s ideal for this kind of event. It brings people out and they enjoy it, participating and watching.”
Registration is open until Aug. 27 and pre-registration is required. To register, visit paddleguru.com and search for Paddle Skedaddle. For more information or for help in registering, contact Terbush at 614-625-0915 or email wterbush@hotmail.com.