Pole Vault in Paradise 2026

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.

Pole Rental is available via The Pole Drop

321-266-8916

www.Skypolevaulter.com

Join us as we return for our 8th event on Higgs Beach in beautiful Key West!

Pole Vault in Paradise is a premier beachside pole vaulting event held every January at Higgs Beach in Key West, Florida. Showcasing elite athletes, youth competitors, and Masters vaulters, the event combines world-class competition with the tropical beauty of the Florida Keys. Hosted by the Key West Track & Field Club, Pole Vault in Paradise raises vital funds to support youth track and field programs while offering athletes a unique opportunity to kick off their season in paradise.

1. Can I rent poles? Absolutely via The Pole Drop onsite

2. What are my shipping options?
   Option 1: Use your own SWA Cargo account

   Cost: $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 account

   Cost: $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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.