If you’re looking for a reason to get your paddleboard on the water this fall, the Flora-Bama Paddle Dash returns to Ole River on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The local paddleboard race starts from the beach behind Flora-Bama Ole River Grill in Perdido Key and follows a two-mile out-and-back course toward the Ono Island Bridge. Whether you’re racing or just interested in local paddling events, here’s what to know before event morning.
Flora-Bama Paddle Dash 2026: Quick Details
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location: Flora-Bama Ole River Grill Beach, Perdido Key
- Check-in: 7:00 AM
- Safety briefing: 7:25 AM
- Men’s race: 7:30 AM
- Women’s race: 7:40 AM
- Course: 2 miles to the Ono Island Bridge and back
- Awards: 9:00 AM
- Registration fee: $20
According to the current event listing from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, registration includes an event T-shirt, breakfast, and two drink cards for participants age 21 and older. The top three male and top three female finishers receive Flora-Bama gift cards.
What Is the Paddle Dash Course?
The race begins on the beach between Ole River Grill and the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. From there, paddlers head approximately one mile along Ole River toward the Ono Island Bridge, turn around, and return to the starting beach.
It’s a relatively short course, making it approachable for recreational paddlers while still giving faster racers a chance to compete.
What You Need to Bring
A personal flotation device is required and must be worn during the race. You’ll also need your paddleboard and normal paddle gear.
Because this is an organized race on Ole River, arrive early enough to unload, get your board to the beach, check in, and be ready for the 7:25 AM safety briefing.
What Happens After the Race?
Complimentary breakfast follows the races, with awards scheduled for 9:00 AM. The top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions receive Flora-Bama gift cards.
And since you’re already at Ole River Grill, it’s an easy event to turn into a morning or day around Perdido Key.
How to Register
Registration is currently available through Flora-Bama’s event ticket page. Check the official Flora-Bama ticket page for registration and the latest event information.
Event details can change, so it’s worth confirming the schedule and requirements with Flora-Bama before race day.
More Paddling Around Perdido Key
The Paddle Dash is also a good reminder of how much paddling there is around the Perdido Key area. Ole River, Big Lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway, and nearby protected coastal water give paddleboarders and kayakers plenty of options beyond race day.
If you want to explore more places to launch around Pensacola and the Gulf Coast, browse PaddleSpot to find local paddle spots, parking details, launch information, photos, and community tips.
PaddleSpot is not affiliated with or a sponsor of the Flora-Bama Paddle Dash. This guide is provided as a local paddling resource. Event information was verified against Flora-Bama and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism listings on September 23, 2026.