The fifth annual Paddle Battle Long Island is set to hit the Peconic River in Downtown Riverhead on Saturday, July 29.
The event raises money for the United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild Program supporting Veterans and Military Families, the Long Island Aquarium and the East End Tourism Alliance.
Last year, the event raised nearly $25,000 and organizers hope to raise even more this year.
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 Team 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 bragging rights.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. on the Peconic Waterfront. Entry fees are $55 per person in advance; $65 on race day. Rental canoes and kayaks are available for $4.
RELATED: SEE PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR’S EVENT
Team Challenge registration begins at 9am on the Peconic Waterfront, and the race begins at 11 a.m. The team challenge sponsorship entry fee is $2,000 per team and must be submitted by July 21. Rental canoes and kayaks are available for $15.
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.
In the event of severe weather, the event will be held on Sunday, July 30.
