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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. -- Standup paddle boarders from across the country braved the wind and waves Saturday for the Cold Stroke Classic. The fourth annual event hosted by Coastal Urge featured a seven-mile elite race around the Intercoastal Waterway and a 3.5 route for recreational boarders.

Organizers say they had 125 athletes participating, a third more than they were expecting.
The participants battled winds of 20 miles per hour, but many said they enjoy paddling in the winter months.

"You just bundle up like you are going for a walk on a winter day and you just paddle around, it's beautiful," said race participant April Zilg. "The water is so crystal clear in the winter, it's almost better than the summer."

Proceeds from the Cold Stroke Classic support the non-profit Standup for a Clean Ocean or SUP. The group collects trash and debris that washes up on beaches.