Race Information

BOB

Atten-hutt!!
A new year is upon us, soldiers. It's time to get your engine in tune for BATTLE! Come March 30th, and armada of warriors will slap the brackish Waters of Old Fort Bayou with their paddles in a quest for glory. The sweat will pour like a waterfall. The screams of sore muscles will be deafening. The drink will flow like a river. The mouthwatering aroma of tasty food stuffs will make your stomach growl. Once you cross the finish line, the echoes of victory will ring eternal. Enlist today!

Enlist today!

The General

New for 2025

The 8.5 mile out and back, starting from, and finishing at Gulf Hills stays the same. However, we have added a “Half the Battle” race for 2025. This 4 mile race will be fiercely competitive as it is every person for themselves, regardless of their boat classification. Canoes, kayaks and SUP’s will battle it out until the finish.

Old Fort Bayou Course

Custom Medals will be awarded at the Award Ceremony, which will be held at 12 noon. All racers should plan to be off the water by then. There is a $10 fee to cover those who are not ACA (American Canoe Association) members. If you are a member of the ACA, you will be prompted to enter your membership ID # and $10 will be discounted from your race fee.

  • Saturday, March 29th registration and check-in will be available from 2pm to 7pm.
  • No day of registration
  • 3 hour time limit for both distances
  • Participants with recreational craft are encouraged to register for the 4 mile distance
  • Over class boats: All race finishers receive custom BOB race finisher medallions. Complete place awards will be presented to finishers in both the 8.5M Battle and 4M Half the Battle distances.
  • Both the 8.5 and 4 mile are out and back races that begin together and end at Gulf Hills Resort. No shuttles needed
  • Shirts are comfort fit tank tops for all participants.
  • Burger Box will be available for the post race lunch

Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center
13701 Paso Road
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: 866-875-4211

Google Map Directions

  1. From east or west on I-10, take MS Exit 50 and head south on Washington Ave for 2.3 miles
  2. Turn right onto Shore Drive (this is the last right turn before Washington Ave. Bridge)
  3. Take second left on Fairway Drive
  4. (For Hotel) Turn right onto Paso Road to reach Gulf Hills Hotel on your left
  5. (For Race Start/Finish) Turn left on Paso Road and make a slight right on S Shore Drive

Boat Classes

Class Name Length Width Gender Description
K1 Pool Toy ≤ 10' N/A Dudes / Chicks All builds & constructions
K1 Short 10'1"- 12'6" N/A Dudes / Chicks All builds & constructions
K1 Medium 12'7" - 15'6" ≥ 22" Dudes / Chicks All builds & constructions
K1 Long 15'7" - 17'6" ≥ 21" Dudes / Chicks All builds & constructions
K1 Fast ≥ 17'7"'  19.6" Dudes / Chicks All builds & constructions
K1 Race Unlimited ≤ 19.5" Dudes / Chicks See Below #1
SUP Surf Unlimited Unlimited Dudes / Chicks Surf style shaped boards
SUP Race Unlimited Unlimited Dudes / Chicks Race style shaped boards
SUP Pedal Unlimited Unlimited Dudes / Chicks Hobie Pedal Boards
K1 Pedal Unlimited Unlimited Dudes / Chicks Solo Kayak Pedal Craft
K2 Rec Unlimited ≥ 22.1" Mixed Recreational Tandem Kayaks
K2 Race Unlimited ≤ 22" Mixed Racing Tandem Kayaks
K2 Pedal Unlimited Unlimited Mixed Tandem Kayak Pedal Craft
C1 Rec ≤ 17'6" ≥ 16% length Dudes / Chicks Recreational Solo Canoes
C1 Race Unlimited Unlimited Dudes / Chicks See Below #2
C2 Rec ≤ 17'6" ≥ 16% length Mixed Recreational Tandem Canoes
C2 Race Unlimited Unlimited Mixed See Below #3

1. (K1 Race) Skinny surf skis and Olympic K1 boats

2. (C1 Race) Solo Canoes that do not meet the Solo Rec class specifications

3. (C2 Race) Tandem Canoes that do not meet the Tandem Rec class specifications