Bayou Teche open for Chitimacha Race

A two-mile stretch of Bayou Teche, closed for more than two weeks after a crude-oil spill, is now open to boat traffic including the Chitimacha Race for canoes, kayaks and other paddle craft, set for Saturday, May 14.
The race is 20 miles from New Iberia City Park to the Chitimacha Tribal Reservation in Charenton.
Approximately 12,500 gallons of crude oil accidentally spilled from a storage tank, and an unknown amount of it went into the bayou. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating and the U.S. Coast Guard is overseeing the cleanup.
One of a dozen races for kayaks, canoes and standup paddle boards put on by Tour du Teche, the Chitimacha Race offers a challenge for serious athletes and recreational paddlers alike.
It starts at New Iberia’s City Park and ends at the Chitimacha Tribe’s boat launch at 3548 Chitimacha Trail in Charenton (coordinates are 29º 52’ 59” N, 91º 31’ 44” W).
Boat check for the Voyageur Race Division is 8-8:45 a.m. with a start at 9 a.m. Boat check for the Pro Race Division is 10-10:45 a.m. and the start is at 11 a.m.
A free shuttle service provided by Cypress Bayou Casino will depart the reservation boat launch at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Paddlers in need of a shuttle should drop off their boats in City Park, then bring their vehicles down to the reservation in time to catch one of the shuttles back to the start.
The award ceremony will begin at 3 p.m., or after the last boat has arrived, whichever comes first.
To register online, go to www.tourduteche.com.