Race Information

*Scroll down this page for boat classes, race map, award descriptions and race rules/ procedures.*

Battle on the Bayou takes place on Old Fort Bayou (OFB), located in Ocean Springs, MS. OFB begins in the Latimer area of Jackson County and meanders southwest growing wider and deeper till it empties into the Back Bay of Biloxi. The race course runs roughly 9.5 miles over black-water bayou through estuarine marsh and maritime forest. It will start at the Gulf Hills Resort grounds and conclude at The Shed and Camp Journey's End.

This race is intended to be a fun event on the water for both competitive and recreational minded paddlers alike. Fast paddlers will complete the race in under 2 hours. Average recreational paddle time will be around 2-3+ hours. The tides have influence on any minimal current that may be. The mile markers on the Old Fort Bayou (OFB) Blueway do not match the Battle on the Bayou race course. The OFB Blueway begins roughly 1 mile into the race course at the Washington Ave. Bridge over OFB. For instance, when you see the 1 mile marker, you have actually paddled roughly 2 miles.

The temperatures for Ocean Springs in March range from 53 - 67 degrees F. March is also one of the wetter months in the year so be prepared for rain. Water temperatures for this time of year are averaged around 60 degrees.

Boat Classes

*NEW*

Class Name	Length	Width	Gender	Description	Paddle
K1 Pool Toy	≤ 10'	≥ 22"	Male/Female	Sit on top and sit in/All constructions	Double Blade
K1 Short	10' 1" - 12' 6"	≥ 22"	Male/Female	Sit on top and sit in/All constructions	Double Blade
K1 Medium	12' 7" - 15' 6"	≥ 22"	Male/Female	Sit on top and sit in/All constructions	Double Blade
K1 Long	15' 7" - 17' 6"	≥ 21"	Male/Female	Sit on top and sit in/All constructions	Double Blade
K1 Uber-Long	≥ 17' 7"	≥ 20"	Male/Female	Sit on top and sit in/All constructions	Double Blade
K1 Race	Unlimited	≤ 19"	Male/Female	See Below ¹	Double Blade
K1 Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Male/Female	See Below ²	Double Blade
K2 Rec	Unlimited	≥ 26"	Mixed	Recreational Tandem Kayaks	Double Blade
K2 Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Mixed	See Below ³	Double Blade
C1 Rec	≤ 17'6"	≥ 16% length	Male/Female	Recreational Solo Canoes	Single Blade
C1 Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Male/Female	See Below ⁴	Single Blade
C2 Rec	≤ 17'6"	≥ 16% length	Mixed	Recreational Tandem Canoes	Single Blade
C2 Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Mixed	See Below ⁵	Single Blade

1. (K1 Race) Surf skis and ICF class race kayaks
2. (K1 Unlimited) Solo kayaks that do not meet other class specifications along with solo pedal craft and SUPs
3. (K2 Unlimited) Tandem kayaks that do not meet the Tandem Rec specifications including tandem pedal craft
4. (C1 Unlimited) Solo Canoes that do not meet the Solo Rec class specifications
5. (C2 Unlimited) Tandem Canoes that do not meet the Tandem Rec class specifications

Race Map

View Battle On The Bayou in a larger map

Awards & Prizes

*NEW* The 1st-3rd winners in each solo class (male/female) and tandem teams will receive grenade replicas decorated with ribbons to distinguish the placing.
*NEW* A TBD cash prize will be given to the 1st place finisher of each class both male and female.
*NEW* A TBD cash prize will be awarded to the fastest solo male/female & fastest tandem team on the water.
TBD Door prizes
Special recognition will also be given to the top 3 solo finishers of the ages:

Costumes

*NEW* Let's inject some humor into the race. It is not required, but racers who want to wear costumes are welcome and appreciated. The BOTB race committee will judge the racers for the best costume. The winner will have their registration fees refunded.

Race Rules/Procedures

*NEW* Boat Classes
The boat classes have been designed with fairness in mind. Uncommon boat types will be lumped together in the "Unlimited" classes. The racer is responsible for accurately describing the make, model, width and length of their boat when registering. This is the information the RD will use to place you in your class.

Children and Families
We wholly welcome families and children to join in the fun. Minors under the age of 12 must be accompanied in a tandem boat with an adult. Minors aged 13-17 may paddle solo. In both instances, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for the minor to participate.

For Obvious Reasons
Only human propelled craft are allowed to enter the event.

Weather
The race will proceed in rain or sun. Be prepared for inclement weather. However, we will not race in thunder storms. The event will either be delayed for the same day or cancelled. If the race is cancelled, racers will still receive all swag entitled to them. Registration fees will not be refunded.

Safety
Various safety/spotting boats will be out around the race course if an emergency arrises. An emergency contact # will be provided at check-in for use during the race. We strive to make the course as safe as possible, but accidents and emergencies can arrise. Please be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by having the right equipment.

Alcohol & Controlled Substances
The use of alcohol/controlled substances before or during the race is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Required and Suggested Equipment
-BOTB is an American Canoe Association (ACA) affiliated race. The ACA requires a Coast Guard approved PFD (must be worn throughout entire race) *violaters will be disqualified*
-Suggested & Optional Equipment >>>>Click here
-We highly suggest bug spray. The gnats in Gulf Hills have been known to haul off children and small kayaks.

Bib Placement
Bib numbers are to be securely attached to the right side front of your boat and front of your PFD. Duct tape and safety pins will be provided. *Inadequate placement of your # may result in inaccurate, missing or delayed race time*

The BOTB Race Committee
BOTB is a volunteer organised event. Please be patient in the acknowledgement of emails and voicemail. We will strive to be expedient as possible. However, sometimes our work, families and real life issues take precedence to BOTB.

Disputes
All arguments will be resolved by the BOTB Race Committee, whose outcome is final.