OABI. Credit: Marc Nader

Born just a few years ago, “Once Around Belle Isle” will have stand-up paddleboarders, kayakers, and surf-skiers racing through a 7-mile natural and non-buoyed course around Belle Isle and through the international waters of the Detroit River. This year two-time Olympic medalist Larry Cain will participate in the race, further solidifying the legitimacy of not only the contest, but Detroit’s standing as a top stand-up paddleboarding destination. Don’t feel like getting your toes wet? You can always just watch the racers from the shore line and then head over to the all-day beach party where Bell’s beer will be a-flowing.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 on Belle Isle, Detroit; oabideetroit.com; Race day tickets are $90, beach party tickets are $25 the day of the event.

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Alysa Zavala-Offman is the managing editor of Detroit Metro Times. She lives in the downriver city of Wyandotte with her husband, toddler, mutt, and two orange cats.

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