Jesse Kautz Powers to Victory in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL – Stand Up Paddleboard Racing and the weather both shined last weekend attracting more than 80 racers of all ages and abilities to beautiful New Smyrna Beach, Florida.  Racers competed in race two of the Paddleboard New Smyrna Beach Mayor’s River Fest in either a 5 mile long course or a fast 2 mile sprint, with courses taking racers through a protected lagoon, canal system and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Mike Tavares and Jesse Kautz dig deep at the start of the race.

Jesse Kautz put in every last shred of energy to claim the long course overall victory and the 14 foot division by just nudging out Mike Tavares and Andrew White in race two of the Paddleboard New Smyrna Mayor’s River Fest.  The women’s long course 12.6 race was equally impressive with Lisa Cool, Nessa Brunton and Jessica Cichra making it to the podium    

The short course proved to be both fast and exciting with top honors going to overall first place and 12.6’ division winner Jeffery Mueller, 14' division winner Sylvan Mc Elroy and rec division winner Glenn Jenkins.  Top women's short course finishers included overall Women's first place and 12’6 division winner Evey Hammon and rec division winner Naomi Gutnik. 

Mayor Adam Barringer after an impressive finish

A key supporter of the event and active participant in community activities, New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer took part in the short course race to the excitement of the crowd with an impressive finish. 

Click here for complete results.

Presented by Paddleboard New Smyrna Beach, the Mayor’s River Fest was made possible through its sponsors, YOLO Board, Paradise Power Sports and SoNapa Grille. 

Race three of the Paddleboard New Smyrna Mayor’s River Fest is scheduled for April 20, 2013, for more information go to their event page