Press Release:
REDONDO BEACH, CA- May 1, 2012 — The Body Glove CaluSUP Race is a WPA “World Paddle Association” sanctioned, elite seven-mile Stand-Up Paddleboard race in the Gulf of Mexico. Slated for Saturday, May 5 the CaluSUP will draw Stand up Paddlers to Fort Myers Beach’s newest water sport event.
The one-day event benefitting Lee County Special Olympics includes a one-mile recreational race, a family fun race, free demonstrations for the public and paddle activities.
Festivities run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 5th at Crescent Beach Family Park. Located at 1100 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach it is the newest beach park in Lee County Parks & Recreation.
The Body Glove CaluSUP Race is inspired by the Calusa Indians that once thrived throughout South Florida’s coastal waters. Known as the shell people, the Calusa waterman skills were essential to their daily activities until their extinction in the late 1700’s.
This event celebrates the fast-growing water sport of Stand-Up Paddle boarding as well as Lee County’s 190-mile canoe, kayak and SUP trail in the Great Calusa Blueway.
The Southwest Florida SUP Club is organizing the event partnering with Body Glove and Lee County Parks & Recreation with 60% of all proceeds benefitting the Lee County Special Olympics
The Body Glove CaluSUP Race is held in conjunction with Fort Myers Based Body Glove Footwear’s launch of the 3tbarefoot, their newest innovation in water sports footwear
Racers of all abilities are welcome. Entry is $15 for club members, $30 for the public before April 24th, and $40 on race day. Special Olympic athletes can compete for free by contacting Dorothy Barilla at (239) 432-2031.
All others should contact SWFL SUP Club at info@swflsupclub.org or (239) 404-7453. Complete details can be found at www.swflsupclub.org. Paddling trail maps and information are at www.calusablueway.com. Body Glove CaluSUP’s host hotel is the Best Western Plus providing discounted rates for participants. www.bwbeachresort.com
CALENDAR LISTING:
Saturday, May 5th: Body Glove CaluSUP 8:30 a.m. captain’s meeting; Race. 9 a.m. race start; activities for the public 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. including demonstrations, food and giveaways.
Crescent Beach Family Park is located at 1100 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Race admission is $15-$40; Paddle Board demos are free. www.swflsupclub.org, info@swflsupclub.org; (239) 404-7453.
For more information on Body Glove athletes and products go to www.bodyglove.com and for daily updates visit www.facebook.com/bodyglove
About Body Glove
Founded in 1953, Body Glove is a leading, worldwide water sports brand specializing in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories, and technology accessories. The company sponsors one of the most respected surf and wakeboard teams in the industry with such powerhouse names as pro surfers Jamie O’Brien, Cheyne Magnusson, Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray and Holly Beck and wake boarders Rusty Malinoski, Harley Clifford, Bob Soven and Jeff McKee.
Through Reef Check, SIMA’s environmental fund, and the Surfrider Foundation, Body Glove works to preserve the purity of the waters it loves. Body Glove products are sold in the U.S. by a network of independent retailers. Body Glove is also sold in approximately 50 countries internationally.
