Ready, Set, Paddle! Flora-Bama Paddle Dash Returns October 3
Ready, Set, Paddle!
Grab your paddleboard and get ready to make a splash! The Flora-Bama Paddle Dash returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for another morning of friendly competition, beautiful waterfront views and plenty of Flora-Bama fun. Hosted at Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, the Paddle Dash is a family-friendly paddleboard race that welcomes paddlers to get out on Ole River and enjoy one of the best ways to experience the Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast, from the water! Whether you’re an experienced paddler looking for a little competition or simply want an excuse to get outside and spend the morning on the water, the Paddle Dash is the perfect way to kick off a fall Saturday at the beach.
A Two-Mile Race on Beautiful Ole River
The Flora-Bama Paddle Dash takes racers on a two-mile course through Ole River, beginning at the beach behind Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. From there, paddlers will make their way toward the Ono Island Bridge before turning around and heading back to the Ole River Grill beach for the finish. It’s short enough to be approachable while still giving competitive paddlers a chance to put their skills, and speed, to the test. And let's be honest: there are worse places to race than Ole River with Ono Island on one side and Flora-Bama waiting for you at the finish line.
Paddle for the Prizes and the Bragging Rights
Sure, it’s all in good fun... but a little friendly competition never hurt anybody. The top three male and top three female finishers will each receive a Flora-Bama gift card. Whether you're going for the podium or simply trying to beat your friends back to the beach, there are plenty of bragging rights on the line.
Register Early & Score a Paddle Dash T-Shirt
Want to commemorate your morning on the water? The first 100 registered participants will receive a free Flora-Bama Paddle Dash T-shirt, so you’ll want to grab your spot early once registration opens. Registration details for the 2026 race are coming soon, so keep an eye on Flora-Bama's website and social media for the official sign-up information.
Breakfast Tastes Better After a Paddle
Crossing the finish line is only the beginning. After the race, participants are invited to stick around and enjoy grab-and-go breakfast at Flora-Bama Ole River Grill. You’ve already knocked out a two-mile paddle before most people have finished their first cup of coffee, we’d say you’ve earned breakfast with a waterfront view.
Make a Day of It at Flora-Bama
One of the best parts about participating in the Paddle Dash is that your morning doesn't have to end when the race does.
Once your paddleboard is packed up, stick around and make a day of it! Grab a table at Flora-Bama Ole River Grill for waterfront dining overlooking Ole River, head next door to Flora-Bama Yacht Club, or cross the street and experience the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge.
With great food, cold drinks, waterfront views and live music, you can turn race morning into an entire Flora-Bama Saturday. Friends and family who aren't racing can join the fun, too. Come cheer on your favorite paddler from the Ole River Grill beach and stick around afterward to enjoy everything the Flora-Bama property has to offer.
Fall on the Gulf Coast Doesn't Get Much Better
October is one of our favorite times of year on the Gulf Coast. The summer crowds begin to slow down, the weather starts cooling off and there are still plenty of beautiful days made for getting outside. Add a paddleboard, Ole River and a little Flora-Bama competition to the mix, and you've got a pretty great way to spend your Saturday morning. So grab your board, round up your paddle crew and start getting those arms ready.
The Flora-Bama Paddle Dash is back October 3!
2026 Flora-Bama Paddle Dash
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Flora-Bama Ole River Grill Beach
Course: 2-mile paddleboard race to the Ono Island Bridge and back
Prizes: Flora-Bama gift cards for the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers
Bonus: Free event T-shirt for the first 100 registered participants
After the Race: Grab-and-go breakfast at Ole River Grill
Registration: Coming soon
Whether you're racing for first place or just paddling for a good time, we'll see you on Ole River.
Ready. Set. PADDLE!
