WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — Thousands of people from all around the world are in Wrightsville Beach this weekend for the annual Carolina Cup paddle boarding competition.

It’s the 8th year for the event that brings amateurs together with some of the most well-known paddle boarders in the world. Some said it’s the togetherness of the sport that makes the event so special.

“Love for the water bonds all these people and it’s a bond that you don’t experience in your day to day life in a lot of cases,” said Peter Laramore.

The kids paddle boarding race begins Sunday morning at 9 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach.