NATCHEZ — Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins always enjoyed the water, so it was only natural that he pick up kayaking after watching the sport a few times.

Mullins was involved from the sidelines, so to speak, in the early years of the Phatwater Kayak Challenge. On Saturday, he competed in the ninth annual race that started at the Claiborne County Port and ended at Natchez Under-the-Hill.

“I got into kayaking in 2002 because I rode on a safety boat (during the race) for a year or two, and I thought it would be a good way to get out on the water,” Mullins said.

It’s the sixth time Mullins has competed in the race, and he finished with a time of 5:37:32.

“This is an excellent sport, and it’s also an excellent way to promote Natchez,” he said.

“The (Mississippi) River is under-utilized. Around here is probably one of the most beautiful views of the river I’ve seen.”

Keith Benoist, co-founder of the challenge, said the event has grown every year since its inaugural year in 2002.

“We have representation from 19 different states and 11 foreign countries,” Benoist said.

Every year, the challenge has a raffle for a Phatwater Bowie Knife, the proceeds of which go to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

“We sell a limited number of raffle tickets and raise (approximately) $5,000 a year. Over the years we’ve raised more than $30,000 for the humane society,” Benoist said.

Patrick and Deanne Hemmens, from Newport Beach, Calif., tallied the fastest time for the second straight year, finishing at 3:54:33. But this year’s time was not quite as fast as last year, Deanne Hemmens said.

“It felt slow out of the water, actually. And I don’t mean that in a bad way, but we got 3:41 last year, and we were hoping to go a little faster,” Hemmens said.

“It was definitely harder this year than last year for us.”

For Hemmens and her husband, coming down the Mississippi River is a nice break from the ordinary.

“Our company is Ocean Paddle Sports, so most of what we do is on the ocean. This is something different for us,” she said.

The challenge is always on the second Saturday in October, and always will be, Benoist said.

“Seven of the nine years we done it, we’ve had beautiful weather just like today. Everyone loves it, and we’ll keep adding new wrinkles to the race every year,” he said.

And the wide variety of participants is what makes the race special for Natchez residents.

“These guys are doctors, lawyers, plumbers and airplane mechanics. It’s all-encompassing,” Benoist said.

“All of our funding comes through donations, largely from local Natchezians.”