Posted on 9/10/2019
Ocean Reef Resorts is pleased to announce our sponsorship of fun-filled festivities at the annual Yolo Board Paddle Palooza on Saturday, September 28th. This unique paddleboard event is being held at North Beach Tortilla Co, one of the newest restaurants in South Walton's Santa Rosa Beach! And this bayfront location is the perfect venue.
The locally owned YOLO (You Only Live Once) Paddle Board Company first introduced this Hawaiian water sport to the Emerald Coast a little over 12 years ago. Paddle Boarding originated in Hawaii and is considered to be an ancient form of surfing. It became used by surf instructors in California during the early 1960s who stood up on boards to get a better view of students and watch for approaching swells. Since most people here never knew about such a thing at that time, it became known as Yolo Boarding and some still fondly refer to it as such.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this sport, YOLO boards are like surfboards, but they are wide and oversized. The large stable size allows a boarder to stand while paddling this vessel in a way that makes them almost look like a gondolier. Just about anyone can do it. Paddleboarding is done on a hybrid vessel that is a cross between surfing, kayaking, and canoeing. They are made to glide across the surface, not to surf the waves - so local treasured coastal dune lake settings and the usually serene waters of the bay provide perfect places to enjoy this wonderful form of water recreation. It has become quite a sensation here as is evidenced by this popular fun annual YOLO board competition.
There will be a one and three-mile adult paddleboard race, followed by a kid's race, and a Grande Paddle Board Race for teams. Grande boards will be provided for teams that may include five or six paddle boarders. The Grande Race will be timed individually with participating teams taking turns on the course.
Registration starts at 8:00 am followed by the One Mile and Three Mile Race at 9:00 am. The Kid's Race is at 10:00 am, and The Grande Race starts sending out teams at 10:30 am. Entry is $40/person, and each participant will receive prize giveaways, commemorative T-shirts, lunch, refreshments, and beverages. This Paddle Palooza encourages participants of all skill levels and ages to come enjoy being on the water. For more details about participation and to perhaps have the opportunity to rent a Paddleboard yourself, register at yoloboard.com or call 850-276-7877 for more information.
Spectators are also warmly invited to relax and cheer for their favorite participants or teams. North Beach Tortilla Co (NBTC) provides the perfect place to do so. Its Choctawhatchee Bayfront location is conveniently located on the west side of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach, very close to many of our Ocean Reef vacation rentals. Â
The vivid views of the beautiful bay here are quite breathtaking, even from indoors. Every seat has a top-notch view since a wide wall of folding glass doors face the sparkling views. They look out upon the wide bay, a white sandy beach with lounge seating, yard game set-ups, fire pits, a stage, and a dock. A large open wraparound bar serves delicious craft cocktails, tropical drinks, cold beers, and of course an abundant array of specialty margaritas. (They have 100 Tequilas to choose from!) This outdoor open-air dining concept features a lively space to enjoy activities, listen to live music, and enjoy special events like this one. Families and friends love the fun for all age's atmosphere, rollicking musical performances from local bands and a daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm.
NBTC describes their fare as being "South by Southwest" meaning it is a mix of Southern, Mexican, Southwestern and Floridian Coastal Cuisine. Besides chips, salsa and guacamole appetizers include: Homemade Fried Pork Rinds; Chargrilled Corn on the Cob with a chili rub called Street Corn; Sautéed Sweet Shishito Pepper Nachos; Queso Sofrito which is a Caribbean Relish of finely chopped onions, three different colored peppers, red onions, garlic, oregano, cilantro and tomato sauce served with Refried Beans and Chorizo Sausage; Pork or Chicken Quesadillas topped with Pico de Gallo & Cilantro Cream and Tamales with stuffed with shredded Tender Wagyu Beef.
Dinner Entrees include Locally Caught Grouper with Achiote and a Basil Rub along with Black Beans; Deep Fried Chimichangas stuffed with Smoked Pork, Oaxaca Cheese and topped with Cilantro Cream as well as a Pasilla Tomato Sauce; Fajitas with Twenty Gulf Caught Shrimp Blackened, Grilled or Fried served with Roasted Peppers, Onions and Soft Flour Tortillas and Tasty Tacos with Corn Tortillas served with your choice of Beef, Pork, Chicken, Grouper, Chorizo Sausage, Roasted Vegetables, and Refried Beans. You may also add up to three choices of additional ingredients on to your Taco including Cotija Cheese, Shredded Cheddar, Sliced Jalapeños, Corn Relish, Roasted Tomatoes and/or Grilled Mango Salsa.
Unique, delicious desserts include Light Crispy Churros dusted in Cinnamon Sugar and dipped in Hazelnut Mousse, Pineapple Right Side-Up Pie and Coconut Cream Tostadas.
Take a look at our highly acclaimed Destin & South Walton Vacation Rentals and plan to come down for some exciting fall events like this one. Get ready to "eat, drink, and be merry!" Autumn is one of the absolute best times to visit the Emerald Coast since rental rates, heat and humidity are lower this time of year, but the gulf is still warm enough to enjoy a luxurious dip in the glowing jewel-like waters. Plan on having a rousing wonderful Palooza of good times!