Regatta racers reel in camaraderie, competition
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Josh Klotz of Saxonburg was determined to make the most out of his time at the Moraine State Park Regatta Saturday. So much so, he competed in a sport he had never tried before: stand-up paddleboarding.
“This is pretty fun,” he said as he floated by the dock. “I don’t remember how many times I fell off, though — maybe three or four.”
Klotz was among dozens of kayakers and paddleboarders who splashed in Lake Arthur Saturday morning for the Paddlesport Races.
Ian Smith, owner of SurfSUP Adventures paddleboarding company, said the event contributed to the American Cancer Society and was a great way to combine water-treading communities.
“About half of our racers are returning racers,” he said. “Having this race as part of the Regatta brings the paddling community and community at large to meld together. It’s a perfect fit for the Regatta.”
“When people think Regatta, they think water sports,” said Amanda Becker, director of the Regatta and owner of Appleseed Events. “This adds a level of competition we didn’t have before, and it adds a community organization and a charitable element.”
The kayak and paddleboarding sprint race ran simultaneously, with boats pulling together ahead of a small group of stand-up boarders, some, like Klotz, paddling for the first time.
Klotz said he enjoyed the race.
“I wanted to compete in a paddle sport,” he said. “I think I might try a different race in the future, too.”
Loyal family members and supporters watched in anticipation onshore, as the racers filed past the dock.
Jason Crowley of Saxonburg watched his wife paddleboard in what would be her first race.
“It’s something to do on a Saturday,” he said. “It’s a way to spend time with her.”
Gabrielle Rovegno of Pittsburgh finished fourth in the paddleboarding race.
“These events are so important after COVID,” she said. “It’s a way to bring people together. I’m grateful for the sponsors putting this on.”
Deb Glover of Pittsburgh said she was rooting for her husband Dan, who was kayaking.
“It’s fun to cheer him on,” she said. “Normally, I’d be paddling. It’s a nice sport to get out and enjoy. It’s one thing to look at the scenery a place offers, it’s another to get out in the middle of the water. You see more (from there) than on land.”
