The first Hugh H. Armstrong Kayak for a Kure event to benefit American Diabetes Association will take place on Sept. 13 with a kayak paddle and classes for beginners and followed by a celebration including food and beverages, entertainment and health and vendor booths. The cost is $75 per person.

There will be drawings for the following great prizes valued at over $1,200, courtesy of Bass Pro Shops:

2008 Beijing Olympic jacket
Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT, Cralisle Magic +, Extra Sport PFD BreakWater and kayak cover
Scupper stoppers, paddle leash and utility pack
Grapple anchor
Kayak carry kit
Heavy duty dry bag, CamelBak better bottle  and lightweight dry bag
Deck bag and rain suit

The kayak paddle starts at 9 a.m. at Butterbean Beach, located under the bridge on Diamond Causeway right before Skidaway Island.  The 6-mile course starts at Butterbean Beach and goes to the UGA Marine Extension Center. The paddle takes approximately one hour to complete.

Participants need to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket and other equipment needed to complete the run.
The classes for beginner kayakers run from 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. at UGA Marine Extension Center. World class instructors David Mason and Steve Braden will conduct the clinics.

Mason is an instructor trainer in Whitewater Canoeing for the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the American Red Cross (ARC). He has taught over 8,000 hours for both organizations.

Mason has competed in the discipline of wildwater racing for 14 years and won two national championship Titles: C-2, two man racing canoe (1984) and C-1 (Master), one man racing canoe (1985).

In 2006, Mason was a member of  the U.S. Whitewater World Championship Canoe Team and competed in the Wildwater World Championship in the Czech Republic, receiving the gold medal in the C-1 grand master class.

In 1984, Mason was a member of the U.S. Whitewater World Championship Canoe Team and competed at the Wildwater World Championships in Germany, placing in the C-2 Men’s Class.

Mason is a current member of the USA Canoe and Kayak board of directors, which is the national governing body for Canoesport in the U.S.

British-born Steve Braden is an ACA/CK advanced open water instructor trainer and a BCU coach level 3/assessor A1. He is a 4-star BCU surf kayaker, a 4-star BCU sea kayaker, and an ACA certified surf kayaker Instructor.

Proceeds from the event benefit the 2008 Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes Walk on the Wild Side fundraiser. The mission of American Diabetes Association, to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

For more information, contact Suzanne Willis at (912) 353-8110, ext. 3093 or suwillis@diabetes.org.