COEUR d'ALENE - How fast can you paddle a paddleboard?

Find out at the Stand Up Paddleboard Races at NIC.

North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits and ROW Adventures have joined BIC Paddlesports to host the first in the series of stand up paddleboard races, taking place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, on NIC's beach.

"Paddleboards have been growing in popularity all over the country. I think it's because people are recognizing that it's an easy hobby to get into," said NIC communications coordinator Tom Greene. "We rent them here at the college and anyone can just hop on one and be good to go in no time. Plus - they're fun."

Participants will paddle a short race course, all using the BIC SUP 12-foot-6-inch WING board, which event organizers will provide for racers to use. Top finishers will advance to finals and a winner will be crowned. Divisions will be split into women, men and youth (age 15 and younger).

"For beginners, the real accomplishment is simply standing up on the board and making it around the buoys," said race organizer and NIC Outdoor Pursuits coordinator Jon Totten.

The race costs $5 to enter and registration begins at 4:30. Division prizes will be from ROW Adventures, NIC Outdoor Pursuits and Slate Creek Brewery.

"No experience is necessary," Greene said. "Just come down to NIC's beach with a bathing suit and our Outdoor Pursuits team will fix you right up."

This event marks North Idaho's first stand up paddleboard race series.

Info: NIC Outdoor Pursuits coordinator Jon Totten (208) 769-7809 or www.bicsuponedesign.com/about-us/