03/12/2011 - Battle On The Bayou, Ocean Springs, MS

Launch: Washington Street Bridge (Hwy 609) at Old Fort Bayou
Launch Cost: Free
Destination: Old Fort Bayou to watch and take photos of the race.
Distance: 20.5 miles (round trip)
Paddle time: 4-1/2 hours
Weather: Clear, winds calm. Air temp perfect. Tide coming in. Current 0.5 mph. Sunny.

Battle on the Bayou race results: CLICK HERE

Header Image

1) There were a lot of participants in the Battle on the Bayou kayak race.

2) The start of the first group - recreational racers. The starting cannon was LOUD - look at the smoke.

3) And they are off!

4) The racer kayaks are of all types - canoes, sit-in kayaks, laid back sit-on-tops, surfskis and more.

5) The start of the second group (fast kayaks) and they are off!

6) The kayak traffic was busy at the very beginning but kayaks spread out quickly.

7) Capsize mishap on the first curve.

8) The Washington Street bridge.

9) Bright Orange is an eye-catcher.

10) A Hobie pedal boat with an outrigger.

11) Racers chatting as they pass each other.

12) The Party Boat - Mardi Gras inflatable kayak.

13) Unless you were in first place, there were always kayaks in front of you as far as the eye could see.

14) I love this photo. Is she dead tired or catching some of the nice rays of warm sunlight?

15) A patriotic racer. Check out the interesting anchor for the flag.

16) There were a lot of different agencies helping out with the well organized race which draws a lot of participation. Young, old, fast, slow - this is a race everyone enjoys.

17) Go Tom Go!

18) The end of the race was at The Shed BBQ. Despite the steady stream of finishers, the exit out of the water was well organized.

If any of you find a particular race photo bothersome and you want me to remove it, email me and tell me which one. Thanks.