Aloha!

My name is Karen Mirlenbrink, and I am the event organizer for the Shark Bite Challenge, held at Honeymoon Island State Park on April 16-17, 2011 (in conjunction with the Island Earth Days Festival). The Shark Bite Challenge features 2-days of paddling and racing. Saturday’s races include 6-person Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes. The 45-foot long, traditional canoes are quite a site to see! Historically, the canoes were the Polynesians’ ancient form of transportation. Today, the canoes are Hawaii’s most popular sport, and the sport continues to grow around the world. Sunday’s races include categories for surfksi’s, OC1’s, OC2’s,  kayaks, canoes, prone paddleboards and SUP’s. Both races will paddle along the coastlines of Honeymoon Island State Park, and her sister barrier island, Caladesi State Park. Caladesi was ranked #1 Beach in America in 2008.

Last year, the Shark Bite Challenge hosted 150 paddlers from all over the country. This year, the event plans on having more, especially with the addition of the Stand Up Paddleboard classes on Sunday. Also, the Shark Bite Challenge will welcome the Achilles Kayak team to participate in the event – who are a team of disabled athletes from New York City.

All proceeds of the Shark Bite Challenge benefit Friends of the Island Park, a citizen supported and non-profit organization that supports the efforts of Honeymoon and Caladesi Island State Parks.

Thanks so much! Mahalo!


When: April 15th – 17th, 2011

  • Friday, April 15th: Pre-event welcome and early registration with FREE BEER at the Dunedin Brewery, 6:30-9 p.m.
  • April 16th includes 6-man Outrigger Canoe Race
    • 9 mile race
  • April 17th includes a 4-mile and  an 8-mile kayak, canoe, surfski, OC1, SUP, and prone paddleboard race.

Where: Honeymoon Island State Park

1 Causeway Blvd.

Dunedin, FL 34698

www.facebook.com/sharkbitechallenge

www.sharkbitechallenge.blogspot.com


The Shark Bite Challenge is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Island Parks, a citizen support organization (and non-profit), that supports the efforts of Caladesi and Honeymoon Island State Parks. The Challenge works in conjunction with the Island Earth Days festival. With registration, all racers receive a dry-fit t-shirt, lunch, and VIP seating at the festival.

—
Karen Mirlenbrink, B.S., C.S.C.S.
Certified Pilates Instructor
(727) 510-3493
www.dunedinpilates.com
www.suppaddleboard.com

www.islandfitwithkaren.blogspot.com