SAN BENITO – Crowds gathered in San Benito for a brand new event in the city.

The event was a kayak race and it was coordinated by the Rotary Club of San Benito.

There were 25 entries for the race and people arrived, ready to hit the water.

“Any emergencies happen out there. You feel nervous, you feel something happening. Alligator rolls up on you, anything crazy,” tournament director Johnny said.

There were no alligators at the race.

The coordinators made sure there were emergency crews available in case anyone was in distress.

“Any safety issues that happen, all they have to do is pick up their paddles over their head and the emergency crew will go help them out,” Johnny said.

There were San Benito firemen and police officers on duty.

Some of the contestants had kayaked before, while for others it was brand new.

“I said if my son, Ben, number four, gets first place I promised I’d take kayaking,” one woman said. “This is the first time he ever kayaked but he likes to participate in community things. So I’m very proud of him. And I guess I don’t have to go kayaking.”

There was also a car show and vendors at the event. One man was selling professional team-decorated sombreros.

“We’re definitely doing it next year and just keep it coming every year, because I think this is a good way to get the community together and just have fun. Healthy living, get off your iPad and phone and come outside,” event chairperson Alma Ortiz said.

It was the first ever San Benito Resaca City Kaya Regatta and it was successful.

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