This Race Ain’t Just Hot Air, Pilgrim.

It’s the Sequim Balloon Festival‘s

Tall in the Saddle Paddle!

The Tall in the Saddle Paddle has been cancelled for 2012. We’ll take a look at doing it next year. But it’s still a perfect weekend to hit the Sequim Balloon Fest!

Think it might be a good weekend? Here’s some Sequim research for you. courtesy of Randy Tomaras, President of the Sequim Balloon Fest: “In the last 31 years on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of September it has rained twice and has only had more than a 10 mph wind twice.”

Not from around here, Stranger? Act like a native and use one syllable: “Skwim”. This race is just part of a whole Labor Day weekend of adventure on the Olympic Peninsula.

Starting and finishing at the scenic John Wayne Marina on Sequim Bay, just a half mile from US101 and less than an hour from the Kingston ferry dock.

Short Course — 6 mile loop around the Bay for all human-powered craft:

Long Course — Super challenging, 18 miles, to Dungeness Light and back for surfskis and outriggers:

Both courses offer a gorgeous early-fall paddle on Washington’s scenic Olympic Peninsula, teeming with wildlife and backed by constant imposing views of Mountains so close you could practically slap them with your paddle!

Your race entry includes an event tee shirt and some hearty post-race refreshments. And your hosts, the Sequim Balloon Festival organizers, offer race attendees a $19 3-day pass (normally $29) to the Festival where you’ll find plenty to do all weekend with a wine & beer garden, awesome food, car show, glowing balloons at night, live music, street dancing and much more to go along with all the balloon festivities.