Events
Pole Vault in Paradise
Event Description
January 1 - 3, 2026!
Pole Vault Clinic - Friday, January 2, 10 AM to Noon
Competition Day - January 3, 2026
On January 5, 2019, the First Annual Pole Vault in Paradise brought together pole vaulters from age 9 to 75 to compete alongside some of the best pole vaulting elites from around the country.
What better place is there to vault than Key West in January? We were the first outdoor meet of the season and raised significant funds for the Key West High School Track Team.
Join us as we return for our 8th event on Higgs Beach in beautiful Key West!
Since its sun-soaked debut, Key West's Pole Vault in Paradise has drawn an elite crew of athletes who trade traditional runways for tropical vibes. Past competitors include Austin Miller, 2024 USA Indoor Championships bronze medalist, and Anicka Newell, a two-time Canadian Olympian and 2018 national champion. The sandpit has also seen the likes of Jill Marois, a record-setting vaulter and three-time conference champ from High Point University, and Carson Waters, a former Big South Conference indoor and outdoor champion who still holds the meet records with jumps of 5.20m and 5.29m. Alongside national champs and Olympic hopefuls like Scott Houston and Megan Clark, these athletes have helped make Pole Vault in Paradise a high-flying fusion of serious competition and laid-back Key West charm.
FAQ
- Can I rent poles? Absolutely via The Pole Drop onsite
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What are my shipping options?
Option 1: Use your own SWA Cargo accountCost: $50 round trip
You handle the shipment under your own account; we handle pickup and delivery between Ft. Lauderdale and Key West.
You can include multiple vaulters’ poles in a single bag.
Option 2: Use our SWA Cargo accountCost: $450 round trip (per bag)
We handle everything under our account from start to finish.
Great for teams who want a fully managed option.
Multiple poles per bag allowed. -
Can I bring poles with me instead of shipping?
Yes! Many vaulters fly Southwest Airlines directly into Ft. Lauderdale and check their poles like luggage.Cost: $50 or less per bag, depending on your ticket class.
Then, rent a car and enjoy the 4-hour drive to Key West along the scenic Overseas Highway. -
What’s the best option if I want to fly into Key West?
If you ship your poles on SWA Cargo, you can fly directly into Key West without having to drive or handle your poles in transit.
$1,785
Raised of $1,500
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