Next month, paddlers from across the East End are encouraged to “stand-up” to the challenge.
The Third annual Paddle Battle is set to hit the Peconic River in Downtown Riverhead on Saturday, July 18. The event raises money for three not-for-profit organizations: the United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild Program supporting Veterans and Military Families, the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation and the East End Tourism Alliance.
The day will include a 2.5-mile amateur race, a 5-mile competitive race, and a 12-mile elite class race. There will also be a pair of two-person canoe and kayaks races. First place medals will be offered to winners in each category, for each class and distance.
This year’s event will also feature a “Paddle Battle Corporate Challenge,” a recreational stand up paddleboard and kayak race for companies, organizations and unions to compete against one another. The race will consist of teams of four competitors who will participate in the 2.5 mile stand up paddle board and recreational class kayak categories. The team with the overall best combined time will take home the championship trophy along with the bragging rights of winning the first ever Corporate Challenge.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. on the Peconic Waterfront. Entry fees are $50.00 per person in advance; $65.00 on race day. Rental canoes and kayaks are available for $40.00. Life vests are required; all participants must wear their own PFD (personal floatation device) during the race. Complete pre-registration details can be found at PaddleBattleLI.com, or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paddle-Battle-LI/552435014814815
Corporate Challenge Registration starts at 9am on the Peconic Waterfront, and the race begins at 11 a.m. Team challenge sponsorship entry fee is $2000.00 per team and must be submitted by June 15, 2015. Rental canoes and kayaks are available for $15.00. Life vests are required; all participants must wear their own PFD (personal floatation device) during the race.
In the event of severe weather, the event will be held on Sunday, July 19.
