Navarre Beach has earned its reputation as Florida’s most relaxing place, but on May 16 and 17, 2026, the Santa Rosa Sound comes alive with the energy of the 5th Annual Navarre Paddle Classic. Staged at Navarre Beach Marine Park, this two-day paddling event is one of the most community-rooted races on the Gulf Coast, and it benefits a cause close to the heart of Navarre Beach: the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center.
Whether you are a competitive paddler chasing points in the USA SUP Regional Series or a first-timer looking for a reason to get out on the water, this event is worth putting on your calendar.
What Is the Navarre Paddle Classic?
The Navarre Paddle Classic is an open-water paddling race hosted by Navarre Beach Yoga Studio and sanctioned by the American Canoe Association. In its fifth year, the event has grown to include a wider range of race formats and craft categories than ever before.
Races are open to all human-powered watercraft. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, outrigger canoes, prone paddleboards, and surfskis are all welcome. Whether you sit down, stand up, or paddle with a single or double blade, there is a category for you.
Course options include 3-mile and 6-mile distances on the Santa Rosa Sound. Registrants on either of those courses automatically qualify for points in the USA SUP Regional Series 2026 rankings.
What’s New for 2026
This year adds two new race formats. On Sunday, May 17, organizers have introduced a SUP Technical race and a Surfski/OC/Prone 4-Person Team Relay.
The SUP Technical race covers 800 meters with six buoy turns and two beach starts. Midway through the course, racers exit the water, run around a flag while holding their board, and re-enter for the second half. Categories are offered for race boards, non-race boards, and inflatables.
The team relay adds a social element that makes this an approachable event for groups and families who want to compete together rather than individually.
Friday Night Kick-Off: Sunset Beach Yoga
The weekend begins Friday, May 15 at 6:45 PM with a Sunset Beach Yoga session on Navarre Beach, hosted by Navarre Beach Yoga Studio. It is a fitting warm-up for a weekend built around the water.
Race Perks
All paid race registrations include:
- A custom race jersey
- A special turtle finisher award
- One ticket for a complimentary beverage
- A pre-race beach yoga session on race morning
Food trucks and vendor booths will be set up at Navarre Beach Marine Park throughout both days of the event.
Benefiting the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
The Paddle Classic raises funds for the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, located approximately three miles from Stella Maris. The center monitors and protects sea turtle nests along Navarre Beach each nesting season, which runs from May through October. Supporting the race means supporting that work directly.
Where to Stay
The Navarre Paddle Classic has a partnership with Spring Hill Suites on Navarre Beach for event participants, offering a group rate with hot buffet breakfast and waived parking fees. Nightly rates run between $199 and $274 plus taxes.
If you are bringing a larger group, Stella Maris accommodates up to 14 guests in five bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, on the sound-side of Navarre Beach. The property includes two paddleboards, a paddle boat, floaties, and life jackets, so you can keep the fun going after race day. Navarre Beach Marine Park, the race venue, is just minutes away.
Getting to Navarre Beach Marine Park
Navarre Beach Marine Park sits on the sound side of Navarre Beach, adjacent to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. From the mainland, take US-98 east from Pensacola toward Navarre, then cross the Navarre Beach Bridge south to the island. The Marine Park is on your left after crossing the bridge.
Registration
Registration is available through PaddleGuru and the American Canoe Association event listing. The event is included in the USA SUP Regional Series 2026, so if you are accumulating points this season, this race counts.
Navarre Beach Marine Park is a short drive from some of the most peaceful stretches of Gulf Coast shoreline in Florida. Race weekend or not, there is no better time of year to be on the water here.
If you are planning a stay around the Paddle Classic, check availability at Stella Maris and get your crew together for a weekend on the Santa Rosa Sound.