Paddleboarders make a splash at Hollywood championship race

Upward of 40 people rode paddleboards, surf skis, kayaks, surf boats and outrigger canoes off Hollywood beach on Saturday morning, as part of the East Coast Paddleboard Championship.

The 18th running of the mostly recreational event covered the traditional distance of 12 miles in laps between Azalea Terrace and Sheridan Street. Novice paddlers had the option of a six-mile course.

“Ocean-racing surf skis are the fastest craft,” said Bruce Wilki, Hollywood’s chief lifeguard and co-organizer. “We use them to compete and stay in shape, not for rescues.”

Several lifeguard stations were open between Hollywood and Dania Beach and a couple of lifeguards were riding jet skis between the buoys that marked the race course in case anyone got into trouble.

All race proceeds go to the Hollywood Junior Lifeguard Competition Team equipment fund, a charity supporting lifeguard sports.

“I think this is our 19th year,” he said. “We have about 300 to 350 kids come through the program every summer.”

They range in age from 9 to 18 and some are chosen for regional and national competitions that include running, swimming, surf skiing, paddleboarding and other lifeguard-related skills.

Saturday’s event welcomed all age groups. It is one of many around the state and country that are listed on paddleguru.com.

“We want to promote the sport and get people involved,” Wilki said. “We’ve got this beautiful weather here in Florida and water everywhere, so we need to take advantage of it.”